The death of a 36-year-old migrant worker from Basirhat in West Bengal while in police custody in Goa has triggered serious allegations and demands for an impartial investigation, with his family accusing jail and police officials of wrongdoing.

The deceased, Debananda Sana, was a resident of Ramakrishnapally in ward number 11 of Taki municipality in North 24 Parganas district. His family said he had been working as a mason for several years in the Fakir Varam Galli area of Vasco da Gama in Goa.

Arrest and hospitalisation

According to family members, Debananda was taken into custody by the Vasco da Gama police on December 25, reportedly on suspicion of theft. A day later, the family was informed that he had been admitted to the Institute of Psychiatry and Human Behaviour at Bambolim.

“He was later shifted to Goa Medical College, where he died on December 30,” a family member said, adding that the information about his death was conveyed to them over the phone.

Family alleges foul play

The family has alleged that Debananda was subjected to physical abuse while in custody, leading to his death. His sister, Ruma Mondal, said she had spoken to him on the morning of his arrest.

“There are injury marks on his body, especially on his feet. We believe he was beaten,” she alleged, demanding accountability from the authorities.

Debananda’s mother, Kamala Sana, was inconsolable after his body was brought home. The family said he was the sole breadwinner.
“Our survival depended on his earnings. Why was he arrested, and how did he die in custody?” she cried, questioning the safety of migrant workers from Bengal in other states.

Body brought back to Bengal

With the support of local representatives in Taki and intervention by the Basirhat district police, Debananda’s body was flown to Kolkata on Saturday and then taken to his home town for last rites.

The family said they plan to approach the Chief Minister seeking justice and a thorough, independent probe into the circumstances of his death.

Demand for impartial inquiry

The incident has led to local outrage, with calls for a transparent investigation into custodial practices. The family has insisted that the roles of both police and jail officials be examined to establish the exact cause of death.

Authorities in Goa have not yet issued a detailed public statement on the allegations.