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.