The Madhya Pradesh government has initiated a magisterial inquiry following the death of a 28-year-old tribal man, Deva Pardi, in police custody. He was detained from his own wedding procession and died hours later. While police claim he suffered a cardiac arrest, his family alleges he was tortured to death, leading to dramatic protests from his relatives.
Surja Pardi, Deva’s aunt, recounted that Deva, dressed in his wedding sherwani, was about to join his wedding procession to Gokul Singh Chakk when police detained him and her husband, Gangaram, around 4:30 PM. The family followed the police to Jhagar Chowki but were denied entry. Later that night, they learned from the district hospital that Deva had died in custody.
Additional Superintendent of Police Man Singh Thakur stated that Deva and Gangaram were detained for questioning related to the theft of ₹8 lakh worth of jewelry in Bhidra village. Thakur mentioned that Deva complained of chest pain and was taken to Myana Primary Healthcare Centre, then referred to the district hospital where he died during treatment. Deva was implicated in 16 criminal cases and suspected in a recent attack on police at Dharnawada police station.
Following Deva’s death, his bride-to-be and aunt attempted to immolate themselves outside the police station. They were prevented by police and admitted to Guna district hospital.
Gangaram Pardhi has been arrested and remanded to police custody for five days by the Guna district court.
On Sunday at 11 p.m., a group of people, including his bride-to-be and aunt, arrived at the hospital in a mini-truck and a tractor, the two of them poured petrol on themselves. During the melee, the cops were able to keep the bride-to-be from setting herself on fire, but Surja, the aunt, did, which was soon extinguished.
The incident has raised significant concerns and tensions, prompting heavy police presence to manage the situation.
