NEW DELHI, India (MNTV) — The death of a 34-year-old Muslim man inside a police station in India’s capital has triggered protests and renewed scrutiny of custodial violence, after his family accused officers of beating him to death during detention.
The incident occurred in Jahangirpuri, a neighborhood in northwest Delhi, where the man, identified as Anish, was taken into custody in the early hours of the morning. His death was later confirmed at a government hospital.
According to independent outlet The Observer Post, the man’s family alleges that he was stopped by police while on his way to work and then subjected to hours of assault inside the police station.
“They caught him on the way and took him inside. From early morning till around 9 or 10 am, they kept beating him. After that, he died,” a family member said, describing what they believe happened during his detention.
Relatives said Anish had left home around 1 am to go to a wholesale vegetable market where he worked, carrying money for purchases, when he was intercepted by police during patrol.
His mother, speaking outside the police station amid protests, said, “My son was completely fine when he left home. Police have beaten him to death. We want those responsible to be punished.”
The family also raised concerns about another man who was reportedly detained with Anish and has since gone missing. “They picked up both of them. My son is dead, and the other boy is nowhere to be found,” a relative said.
Anish is survived by his wife and three young daughters, including a toddler. Family members said he was the sole breadwinner. “He loved his daughters a lot. Now they are left without a father,” a relative said.
Police, however, have denied allegations of custodial violence. Officials said Anish was brought in around 3:30 am for verification during routine checks and later complained of uneasiness.
According to police statements, he was given water before his condition deteriorated, after which he was taken to Babu Jagjivan Ram Memorial Hospital, where he died. Authorities said initial medical findings showed no visible external injuries and suggested dehydration as a possible cause, adding that the final determination would depend on a post-mortem examination.
An inquiry has been ordered, but the incident has sparked anger among local residents, who gathered outside the police station demanding accountability and a transparent investigation.
“Our only demand is that the policemen who beat him should be arrested. We want justice,” a family member said.
The case adds to ongoing concerns over custodial deaths in India, where rights groups have repeatedly pointed to gaps in accountability, delayed investigations, and conflicting narratives between police and victims’ families.