The Allahabad High Court has directed the Uttar Pradesh government to submit its response within two weeks in connection with the alleged custodial death of a Dalit man, Hira Lal, at the Nawabganj police station.
A division bench comprising Justices Siddharth and Santosh Rai issued the order on Wednesday while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Adhivakta Manch and two others. The matter has been listed for further hearing on October 10 before the appropriate court.
According to the petitioners, Hira Lal, a labourer from Narepar village in Budauna, was picked up by the police on May 27 in connection with a theft case. His family alleged that he was subjected to torture in custody and died within the police station premises. However, police claimed he died of a heart attack.
The PIL further alleged that Hira Lal’s family was neither allowed to meet him after his detention nor handed over his body following his death. Instead, the police allegedly consigned his body to flames at Daraganj ghat without family consent.
Calling the incident a “brutal custodial death and murder” in violation of Article 21 of the Constitution — which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty — the petitioners sought multiple remedies:
- A high-level, independent inquiry headed by a retired High Court judge.
- The probe to be conducted under the High Court’s supervision and completed within a stipulated time.
- ₹25 lakh compensation to be awarded to the family of the deceased.
Taking note of the seriousness of the allegations, the High Court directed the state government to file its reply within two weeks. The outcome of this matter will hinge on whether the court orders an independent investigation into the alleged custodial torture and whether compensation is granted to the bereaved family.
