New Delhi: A 47-year-old Delhi Police constable, who was injured during violent protests at India Gate on Sunday against gang rape incident, died today after battling for life in a city hospital following which police invoked murder charges in the case.
Subhash Chand Tomar, a graduate in Arts who hailed from Meerut, was cremated at Nigambodh Ghat with police honours in the presence of Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, Minister of State for Home Affairs R P N Singh, Home Secretary R K Singh as well as officers and men of Delhi Police.
President Pranab Mukherjee expressed grief over the death of the constable. "I convey my heartfelt condolence at the loss of a young life who lost his life in the call of duty. I share the agony of the family of the deceased," he said.
Police Commissioner Neeraj Kumar announced that they will give a job on compassionate grounds to one of the children of Tomar chosen by his widow. Also, all personnel will contribute one day's salary to his family.
"With deep regret, we have to inform you that Constable Subhash Chand Tomar succumbed to his injuries at 6:40 AM today. He suffered internal injuries in his stomach, chest and neck," Kumar said.
Tomar was posted in Karawal Nagar area and was called for maintaining law and order at India Gate area during the protests on Sunday over the gangrape of a 23-year-old girl on December 16 here.
Tomar, who joined the police in 1987, was found lying injured on Tilak Marg and was rushed to the hospital.
Police had already arrested eight persons, including an activist of Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party, earlier and charged them with murder in connection with the injuries caused to Tomar.
One of the accused is a member of Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party. Kejriwal alleged police had wrongly implicated eight persons in the case and that there was no evidence of their involvement.