Hapur: FIR against seven policemen for death in custody

On Sunday, Pradeep Tomar had died under mysterious circumstances in Chijarsi police booth after he had been called for questioning in connection with the murder of a relative.

The FIR alleges that on Sunday, the police first called Pradeep’s brother Tejpal on the pretext of giving him a lucky coupon. Once Tejpal and his wife Kavita reached the spot, the policemen picked them up and asked Tejpal to call his brother on a false pretext.

Tejpal states in the FIR: “I called Pradeep and told him that my motorbike was not working and I needed money. He reached Chijarsi toll station with the money, accompanied by his son. The police made me identify him. The moment I did so, they took him to the station…”

According to the FIR, the seven policemen allegedly beat Pradeep with belts and electrocuted him in front of his son, the FIR states.

According to Hapur SP Yeshveer Singh, Pradeep was called for questioning in connection with a murder. “A woman named Preeti was murdered in August but she could not be identified then. Once identified, we found that her husband, Digambar, allegedly got her murdered with the help of a relative. Two people were hired (to allegedly kill Preeti) for Rs 1.5 lakh, and Pradeep was allegedly to pay them. He was married to Digamber’s sister,” the SP said.

Three policemen, including SHO Baliyan, were suspended shortly after the incident and a probe initiated. People close to the family also alleged that the police tried to bribe the family members with Rs 25 lakh to deter them from filing a complaint.