A life convict serving a sentence in a double murder case allegedly died by suicide after jumping into a burning gasifier furnace inside Bilaspur Central Jail on Wednesday, raising fresh concerns over prison safety and inmate welfare. The incident comes amid a series of inmate deaths at the jail, with five prisoners having died within the past month.

The deceased has been identified as Rahul alias Vikesh Kanwar (46), a resident of Bamhnidih in Janjgir-Champa district. He had been lodged in Bilaspur Central Jail for the past ten years after being convicted in a double murder case.

Senior district officials, including Collector Sanjay Agrawal and Senior Superintendent of Police Rajnesh Singh, visited the prison following the incident. A forensic team and police officials have begun an investigation into the circumstances leading to the inmate's death.

Convict Jumped into Operational Furnace

According to preliminary information, the incident occurred inside the jail's gasifier plant, where wood is converted into gas used for cooking meals for inmates in the prison kitchen.

Officials said the furnace was operational when Rahul allegedly reached the facility and suddenly jumped into the burning chamber. Jail personnel attempted to rescue him, but the intense heat prevented immediate intervention, and he died at the scene.

The incident triggered panic inside the prison premises as officials rushed to secure the area.

Investigation Underway

District authorities inspected the scene soon after receiving information about the incident.

Collector Sanjay Agrawal confirmed that the deceased was serving a life sentence in a double murder case and had remained in prison for nearly a decade. He said the exact circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated and that all aspects of the case will be examined.

Forensic experts have collected evidence from the gasifier unit, while police are recording statements of jail staff and inmates who may have witnessed the incident.

Fifth Inmate Death in One Month

The latest death has intensified scrutiny of Bilaspur Central Jail, where multiple inmate deaths have been reported over the past few weeks.

On June 23, an undertrial booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, identified as Neelu Jagat, was allegedly murdered inside the jail.

In another incident, Ram Bharose Majhi, a life convict from Raigarh district, died after his health deteriorated while in custody.

Two other inmates, identified as Raju Gond of Gatora and Dharmendra Singh, also died inside the prison during the same period.

The succession of deaths has prompted questions about prison administration, inmate supervision and medical care inside one of Chhattisgarh's largest correctional facilities.

Prison Management Faces Fresh Questions

Bilaspur Central Jail has previously faced criticism over several security-related incidents, including inmate clashes, suspicious deaths, recovery of mobile phones, seizure of prohibited substances and alleged lapses in prison surveillance.

The latest incident has once again brought attention to security arrangements inside the prison, particularly regarding access to operational industrial equipment such as the gasifier plant.

Officials have not yet clarified how the inmate reached the restricted area or whether additional safety protocols were in place at the time of the incident.

Authorities Await Detailed Findings

Police officials said further action will depend on the findings of the ongoing investigation and the forensic examination.

Authorities are also expected to review CCTV footage, question prison personnel and examine the prison's standard operating procedures to determine whether any negligence contributed to the incident.

The death has renewed concerns over inmate safety, prison management practices and the need for enhanced monitoring inside correctional institutions, especially in light of the multiple custodial deaths reported over the past month.

A six-member fact-finding committee constituted by the Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) visited Raigarh on Wednesday to investigate the alleged custodial death of undertrial prisoner Sanjay Baghel. The team met the deceased's family members, jail officials, and senior police officers to gather information about the circumstances surrounding the case, which has sparked political and public attention in the district.

The committee, headed by Saraypali MLA Chaturi Nand, was formed by the state Congress leadership to conduct an independent assessment of the incident. Other members include Lailunga MLA Vidyawati Sidar, Bilaigarh MLA Kavita Pranlahare, Pamgarh MLA Sheshraj Harbansh, District Congress Rural President Nagendra Negi, and City Congress President Shakha Yadav.

According to party leaders, the committee's findings will be compiled into a detailed report and submitted to the Pradesh Congress Committee for further action.

Team Meets Family and Officials

The investigation team first visited the residence of Sanjay Baghel's relatives, where family members narrated their version of events and raised several allegations against the police and jail administration.

Following the interaction, the committee proceeded to the district jail and held discussions with the acting jail superintendent regarding the circumstances leading to Baghel's hospitalization and subsequent death.

Later, members of the panel also met the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) to obtain official information and updates on the ongoing inquiry.

District Congress President and committee member Shakha Yadav said the panel would examine all available facts before preparing its final report.

Background of the Case

According to police records, 32-year-old Sanjay Baghel, a resident of Nawapara village, was arrested on June 10 in connection with a liquor-related case.

Officials said Baghel's health deteriorated after his arrest, following which he was admitted to a hospital. He died under suspicious circumstances on June 13 while undergoing treatment.

The incident triggered strong reactions from family members, who reached the hospital after receiving news of his death. Tensions briefly escalated as relatives demanded an explanation regarding the circumstances that led to his demise.

Family Alleges Assault

The deceased's relatives have alleged that Baghel was assaulted while in custody, leading to a deterioration in his health and eventually his death.

His father claimed that police had detained two individuals during a social event. According to the family, one of the detainees was allegedly released after money was paid, while Baghel remained in custody because no payment was made. The family reportedly submitted a complaint regarding the matter to senior police authorities.

These allegations have become a key focus of both the official investigation and the Congress committee's inquiry.

Police Action and Ongoing Investigation

Following the complaint, the SSP ordered departmental action against two police personnel, who were subsequently attached to the police lines pending further inquiry.

Meanwhile, Kotra Road police released CCTV footage from the police station to support their position. According to police officials, the footage does not show any evidence of physical assault on Baghel while he was in custody.

Authorities have maintained that the investigation is still underway and that all aspects of the case are being examined. Officials have stated that conclusions will be drawn only after the completion of the inquiry and review of all available evidence.

Report to Determine Next Steps

The Congress fact-finding team is expected to submit its findings to the state party leadership in the coming days. The report may influence the party's stance on the issue and could lead to further demands for accountability if irregularities are found.

As investigations continue, the case remains under close scrutiny, with both political representatives and law enforcement agencies awaiting the outcome of the ongoing inquiries.

Hospital Erupts as Relatives Protest Suspicious Death

A 28-year-old under-trial prisoner, arrested in an illegal liquor case, died under suspicious circumstances at the Raigadh Medical College Hospital on Saturday, triggering a tense protest by family members and villagers.

Sanjay Baghel, a resident of Navapara village under Kotraroad police station limits, was lodged in the district jail after his arrest on June 10. According to jail officials, his health deteriorated suddenly on Saturday morning, following which he was rushed to the hospital. He died during treatment around midday.

Relatives Allege Custodial Violence

The news of Baghel's death brought angry relatives and villagers rushing to the hospital. What followed was nearly an hour of commotion, with family members alleging their loved one was beaten inside the jail.

"Social function was going on in the village. Police picked up two people from there. The other young man was released after taking ₹40,000," said Pyare Lal Baghel, the deceased's father. "They took my son because we couldn't pay."

The father further alleged that police personnel refused to let the family view the body for several hours after death.

Police Deny Charges of Assault

Jail Superintendent G.S. Sori rejected allegations of any physical violence against Baghel.

"He was admitted to the jail on June 10. On June 12, he complained of illness and was treated at the jail hospital," Sori explained. "When his condition did not improve, we referred him to the medical college on Saturday morning. Doctors examined him and administered medication."

Police officials present at the hospital maintained that all protocols were followed and the family's allegations are baseless.

Magistrate-Led Inquiry Underway

The confrontation at the hospital saw mild pushing between relatives and police personnel before senior officers arrived to calm the situation. Authorities assured the family that the body would be handed over only after mandatory legal procedures, including a magistrate-mandated post-mortem examination.

"We have told the relatives that the body will be shown to them once the magistrate completes the necessary process," a senior police officer present at the scene told reporters.Sarpanch Nand Kumar Baretha confirmed that villagers were denied access to the body for an extended period, adding to their suspicion and anger.

 Similar Incident Raises Wider Concerns

Baghel's death comes barely days after another suspicious prison death in neighbouring Bilaspur, where a man arrested in a liquor case died under similar circumstances. In that case too, the family had alleged police demanded money and assaulted the prisoner before he was sent to jail.

The Raigadh district administration has ordered a probe into Baghel's death. Officials said the exact cause would be determined only after the post-mortem report is received. Family members have demanded a judicial inquiry and strict action against those responsible.

The police have registered a case under relevant sections and confirmed that an investigation is ongoing.

Mumbai Police has introduced a new dress code for accused persons kept in police lockups, in a move aimed at preventing suicides and custodial deaths. Under the revised protocol, those placed in police custody will no longer be allowed to wear full-sleeve shirts, trousers or other long garments that can be misused for self-harm.

Instead, accused persons will now be made to wear half-sleeve T-shirts and shorts while in lockup. Officials said the decision forms part of a broader safety review initiated after a series of deaths in police custody raised concerns over supervision and infrastructure inside lockups.

Suicide Risk In Focus

The new rule comes amid growing scrutiny over custodial deaths in Maharashtra, particularly cases where accused persons allegedly died by suicide inside police lockups. According to officials, long clothing such as shirts with sleeves, collars, drawstrings and full-length trousers can be used to fashion ligatures, increasing the risk of self-harm.

Mumbai Police believes the revised dress code will reduce access to such materials and help minimise the possibility of suicide attempts in custody. The move is being seen as a preventive step under a wider internal review of lockup safety procedures.

Trigger Behind Move

The issue drew sharp public attention after the death of Anuj Thapan, an accused in the firing case outside actor Salman Khan’s residence. As per reports, Thapan allegedly died by suicide inside police custody after using a bedsheet in the lockup.

The incident triggered questions over custodial safeguards, surveillance lapses and the overall handling of vulnerable accused persons in police custody. It also renewed calls for stricter lockup protocols and stronger accountability measures across police stations.

Changes Inside Lockups

The dress code revision is not the only change being introduced. Mumbai Police has also started modifying the physical layout of lockups to improve constant monitoring and reduce blind spots.

Officials indicated that bathroom doors inside lockups are being redesigned so that accused persons cannot fully isolate themselves. Portions of the upper and lower panels are being removed to ensure continuous visual access for police personnel stationed outside.

The redesign is intended to improve surveillance without fully compromising basic privacy, according to officials familiar with the changes.

Mental Health Monitoring

Police have also begun placing greater emphasis on the mental condition of accused persons immediately after arrest. Sources indicated that officers are being asked to assess behavioural distress, signs of panic and possible self-harm tendencies at an earlier stage.

As part of the revised protocol, accused persons may be given safer clothing soon after being brought into custody, especially in cases where police suspect emotional instability or elevated risk.

Officials said the changes are aimed at improving preventive intervention rather than reacting after a critical incident.

Custodial Death Concerns

Data from recent years has kept custodial safety under the spotlight. Between 2020 and 2023, more than 54 accused persons reportedly died in police custody across Maharashtra. Several of these deaths were linked to alleged suicide inside lockups, according to available records and public reports.

These figures have intensified concerns around custodial oversight and prompted calls for stronger compliance with detention safety norms.

An alleged Indore police custody death has sparked serious concerns after a Young Man, identified as Shriram Jha, died following suspected custodial harassment at the Bhagirathpura police outpost. Senior officials have removed outpost in-charge Sanjay Dhurve and constable Yogendra Korav, while ordering a departmental inquiry into the incident.

Incident Details

Shriram Jha was reportedly brought to the Bhagirathpura outpost in connection with a vehicle theft case. According to officials, he consumed acid while in custody and later died during treatment.

However, his family has contested the police version. They allege that Jha was subjected to physical assault over two days, which drove him to take the extreme step.

Family Allegations

Jha’s mother claimed that plainclothes policemen brought him home a day before the incident. During that visit, he allegedly told the family that he had been beaten severely and that his thumb had been injured.

“He said they had broken his thumb and assaulted him repeatedly,” a family member stated, as per reports. The family believes sustained harassment pushed him towards suicide.

Police Response

Police officials have denied allegations of custodial torture. According to preliminary statements, Jha’s condition deteriorated after he consumed acid, and there was no physical assault.

Authorities have maintained that further clarity will emerge after the post-mortem report. “We are awaiting medical findings before drawing conclusions,” a senior officer said, reflecting a cautious stance amid growing scrutiny.

Prior Complaints

Sources indicated that there had been prior domestic disputes involving Jha. On April 15, his wife had reportedly filed a complaint at the Banganga police station, following which a non-cognisable report (NCR) was registered.

Investigators are now examining whether earlier incidents had any bearing on the current case, as part of a broader India News Update.

Internal Action Taken

In immediate response to the incident, senior officers removed both Sanjay Dhurve and Yogendra Korav from their posts. Departmental inquiry proceedings have been initiated.

Background checks reveal that Dhurve had faced action in previous postings over alleged procedural lapses, including a controversial betting-related case. Meanwhile, Korav was reportedly the officer who initially detained Jha.

Compensation Claims

Police sources suggested that discussions were held with the family regarding support measures, including financial assistance, a job for the deceased’s wife, and educational support for the child.

However, there has been no official confirmation of any such settlement. The development has added another dimension to the case, drawing attention across English News Portal India platforms.

What Happens Next

The post-mortem report is expected to play a crucial role in determining the cause of death and verifying claims of assault. Based on findings, authorities may escalate the probe or initiate criminal proceedings if evidence supports the allegations.

Death penalty for 9 cops in TN custodial death case: Constable Revathi’s testimony seals their fate

A Madurai court has awarded the death penalty to nine police personnel for the 2020 custodial deaths of Jayaraj and Benicks, marking a rare judicial crackdown on police brutality.

In a landmark judgment that addresses the dark underbelly of police violence, a special court in Madurai has sentenced nine policemen to death for the brutal custodial killing of P. Jayaraj and his son J. Benicks. The verdict, delivered nearly six years after the father-son duo died following torture in Thoothukudi district, leans heavily on the rare and courageous testimony of a fellow officer, Head Constable Revathi.

Landmark verdict delivered

The court’s decision on April 6 brings to a close one of the most high-profile cases of police excess in recent Indian history. The bench found the accused guilty of orchestrating a level of violence that shocked the national conscience.

Heavily armed security was deployed as the convicted men were moved from the courtroom to the central prison. Legal experts suggest this TN custodial death case ruling sets a precedent for accountability within the force.

The 2020 tragedy

The case dates back to June 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Jayaraj and Benicks were detained for allegedly keeping their mobile shop open beyond the restricted hours.

What began as a minor regulatory violation turned into a nightmare. Within days of their detention at the Sathankulam police station, both men succumbed to grievous internal injuries, sparking nationwide protests.

Witness to brutality

The prosecution’s case found its strongest pillar in Head Constable Revathi. As an eyewitness stationed at the precinct on the night of the assault, her willingness to speak out against her own colleagues proved decisive.

Revathi’s decision was fraught with risk. A mother of two, she initially hesitated, requesting the judicial magistrate for protection for her family and a guarantee that she would not lose her livelihood for telling the truth.

Account of horror

According to official court records, Revathi provided a harrowing minute-by-minute account of the events inside the station. She described hearing relentless screams echoing through the corridors as the victims were subjected to physical assault.

She testified that the father and son were stripped and beaten repeatedly. Her statement detailed how she was prevented by other officers from intervening or offering any basic assistance to the bleeding men.

Intimidation and courage

The path to justice was not smooth. During the initial judicial inquiry, reports emerged of police personnel gathering in large numbers to intimidate the magistrate and those willing to cooperate with the investigation.

Despite the systemic pressure, Revathi stood her ground. Her testimony was eventually bolstered by CCTV footage and forensic evidence, which confirmed the presence of the accused and the severity of the torture inflicted on the duo.

Systemic impact felt

The verdict has resonated across the country, featuring prominently in the latest news today as a victory for human rights. Activists argue that while the death penalty is rare, the severity of the sentence reflects the "rarest of rare" nature of state-sponsored violence.

Government updates indicate that the state police department is now under pressure to implement stricter custodial protocols. The case has highlighted the urgent need for structural reforms to prevent the misuse of power during detention.

Final justice served

As the families of Jayaraj and Benicks find some semblance of closure, the role of whistleblowers like Revathi remains the focal point of discussion. Her bravery in this TN custodial death case is being hailed as the primary reason the shield of silence within the department was finally broken.

Legal observers expect the convicts to appeal the sentence in the High Court. However, for now, the Madurai court’s ruling stands as a stern warning against the culture of impunity in law enforcement, serving a major public interest story for the nation.