Puri: The case pertaining to the death of K. Ramesh allegedly in police custody in Puri has taken a fresh twist after the father of the deceased, as a witness, has reportedly admitted that his son had died after falling on the ground. However, the written document bore a thumb impression of Ramesh's father instead of his signature.
The police, in its counter, have also apprised the Court that Ramesh's demise was not a custodial death, but he died after falling on the ground during a scuffle with police.
“They (police) apprised the Court that Ramesh fell down during scuffle with police and suffered head injuries that led to his death. We countered it as false. The Court directed us to file detailed documents and asked us to bring the guidelines of NHRC to court's notice," Lawyer Dipak Mohapatra said.
A public interest litigation (PIL) has also been filed in the Orissa High Court in this connection. The petitioner, Puri-based lawyer Sarat Kumar Rayguru has sought a court-monitored probe into the matter apart from stringent action against the errant police officials and ex-gratia for the deceased’s family. Rayguru also mentioned in the petition that the claims made by the police on the death of Ramesh were not based on fact.
On the other hand, a petition has been registered in the Court of Sub-divisional Judicial Magistrate (SDJM) in Puri. The petitioner prayed to the court for inclusion of Section 302, 120 (B), 201, 348, 506, 34 of IPC in the case. The court has admitted the plea for hearing.
Meanwhile, members of Puri Yuva Adhibakta Sangh on Monday staged a dharna at Kacheri road, demanding a CBI probe into the alleged custodial death.
(Edited By Ramakanta Biswas)