Uttar Pradesh: The Uttar Pradesh Police detained Congress National General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi from visiting the family of deceased Arun Kumar, a Dalit man who allegedly died in police custody, on Wednesday. According to sources, the deceased was a sanitation worker from the Valmiki community who was arrested on Tuesday by local police in connection with the theft of Rs 25 lakh cash from an Agra warehouse. “They say I won’t be able to visit Agra. Everywhere I go, they come to a stop me. Should I continue to sit in restaurants? Is it only because it’s politically convenient? What’s the big deal if I want to meet them?” Congresswoman Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was quoted.
Priyanka Gandhi had previously been detained by the Uttar Pradesh Police when on her way to Lakhimpur to see the families of the farmers killed in the district’s violence on October 3rd. SSP Agra Muniraj has said that Kumar was interrogated and admitted to his act. On Tuesday night, as a raid was being conducted out at his house to collect the stolen money, the accused became ill. He was brought to the hospital, where he was declared dead by doctors. Kumar’s family, on the other hand, claims that the police were involved in wrongdoing and has filed a case alleging death by torture in custody.
The cops have contacted his family and are working with them. If there is any neglect, severe consequences will be imposed sources reported. The family of the deceased has also filed a complaint about the incident, believing that he was beaten up by police and died as a result. “An FIR has been filed, and the case will be investigated,” ADG Agra Rajiv Krishna said.