A 38-year-old man, taken into preventive custody following a domestic violence complaint by his wife, allegedly died by suicide inside the lock-up of Panigate police station in Vadodara city early on Wednesday. Authorities have ordered a detailed inquiry into the custodial death.
Death reported inside police lock-up
The deceased has been identified as Ramesh Chhagan Vasava, a resident of the Jeevan Nagar VUDA housing complex. Police said Vasava had been taken into preventive arrest under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, after a complaint of domestic violence and assault was lodged by his wife.
According to officials, Vasava had been lodged in the lock-up of Panigate police station since Tuesday evening along with three other detainees.
Incident in early hours
Police stated that around 6.45 am on Wednesday, Vasava went to the washroom attached to the lock-up and allegedly died by hanging, using the string of his hooded jacket tied to a window grill. His body was reportedly discovered by another inmate, following which senior officers were alerted.
Family alleges police torture
Vasava’s sister, who reached the police station after receiving information about his death, accused the police of torturing her brother. She claimed that she had met him the previous evening when she brought him food and that he appeared normal at the time.
Police officials declined to comment on the allegation, stating that the matter is under investigation.
Inquiry and post-mortem ordered
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 3) Abhishek Gupta said an inquiry has been initiated under the supervision of an Assistant Commissioner of Police and the Sub-Divisional Magistrate. A panel post-mortem will be conducted in the presence of the SDM, and the process will be videographed.
Officials said forensic evidence, including CCTV footage and reports from the Forensic Science Laboratory, will be examined.
Political reaction
Leaders of the Indian National Congress in Vadodara also visited the police station and demanded a thorough and impartial probe, calling the incident serious and deeply concerning.