Delhi: Teen dies after ‘jumping’ from police van; family alleges custodial death
The incident took place near Vasant Kunj North while the two people were being taken to lock-up after their arrest in an arms and vehicle theft case on Tuesday.
A 19-year-old youth in custody died and another was injured after they allegedly jumped out of a moving police vehicle during transit in the Vasant Kunj North area of Delhi's southwest, an official said on Wednesday.
Family members of the victims blocked the Samalkha-Kapashera road and pelted stones at the police, alleging custodial death.
Police have initiated legal proceedings and a judicial inquiry is underway into the youth's death.
According to a police statement, the incident occurred near Vasant Kunj North police station while the duo was being taken to lock-up, following their arrest in an arms and vehicle theft case on Tuesday.
Head constable Balbir Singh and constable Nitesh were on routine motorcycle patrol around 3 pm when they noticed two men on a motorcycle acting suspiciously.
"When signalled to stop, the duo attempted to flee but were apprehended after a brief chase," Deputy Commissioner of Police Surendra Choudhary said.
The arrested individuals were identified as Vikas alias Majnu and Ravi Sahni alias Ravi Kaliya , both residents of Samalka in Delhi.
{{/usCountry}}The arrested individuals were identified as Vikas alias Majnu and Ravi Sahni alias Ravi Kaliya , both residents of Samalka in Delhi.
{{/usCountry}}"A country-made pistol and a live cartridge were recovered from Vikas. The motorcycle they were riding was found to be stolen in a case registered at Palam village police station and was being driven by Ravi," the DCP said.
{{/usCountry}}"A country-made pistol and a live cartridge were recovered from Vikas. The motorcycle they were riding was found to be stolen in a case registered at Palam village police station and was being driven by Ravi," the DCP said.
{{/usCountry}}Police registered a case at Kapashera police station. Both accused were medically examined and were being transported in a government vehicle to Vasant Kunj North lock-up.
{{/usCountry}}Police registered a case at Kapashera police station. Both accused were medically examined and were being transported in a government vehicle to Vasant Kunj North lock-up.
{{/usCountry}}However, while the vehicle was taking a turn near the police station, both men allegedly jumped out of the slow-moving van in an apparent attempt to escape.
{{/usCountry}}However, while the vehicle was taking a turn near the police station, both men allegedly jumped out of the slow-moving van in an apparent attempt to escape.
{{/usCountry}}Both sustained injuries due to the jump but Ravi Sahni was declared dead on arrival at IGI Hospital. Vikas is undergoing treatment for minor abrasions, the police statement said.
