Anish, father of three, dies in custody; Delhi Police cite dehydration
NEW DELHI — “My son was completely fine when he left home. Police beat him to death. We want those responsible to be punished,” said the distraught mother of a 34-year-old Muslim man who died in police custody in the national capital this week.
However, police in northwest Delhi’s Jahangirpuri area denied allegations of custodial violence. According to officials, the victim, Anish, was brought to the police station around 3:30 am for verification during routine patrolling. They said he complained of uneasiness and was given water, but his condition worsened, and he was taken to Babu Jagjivan Ram Memorial Hospital, where he died. Police said initial medical reports showed no external injuries and suggested dehydration as the likely cause, adding that the exact reason would be confirmed after the postmortem.
The death has sparked outrage, with his family alleging that he was beaten to death in custody and demanding strict action against the police personnel involved.
Anish, a resident of Bhalswa Dairy who worked at Azadpur Sabzi Mandi, was picked up by police in the early hours. His family said that he had left home around 1 am for work, carrying money for mandi purchases, when he was stopped by police during a routine patrolling.
His relatives allege that he was taken to the police station and assaulted for several hours.
“They caught him on the way and took him inside. From early morning till around 9 or 10 am, they kept beating him. After that, he died,” a family member alleged.
Outside the Jahangirpuri police station, scenes of grief unfolded as women from the family wept and demanded justice. The family also alleged that Anish’s friend, who was with him at the time, had informed them about the alleged assault. However, they now claim that the friend is missing.
“They picked up both of them. My son is dead, and the other boy is nowhere to be found,” a relative said, raising further suspicion over the incident.
Anish is survived by his wife and three young daughters, the eldest around 8–9 years old, another about 6, and a toddler. His family said he was the sole breadwinner and deeply attached to his children.
“He loved his daughters a lot. Now they are left without a father,” a relative said.
The family and locals protested outside the Jahangirpuri police station for hours, refusing to leave until action was taken. They said they have met senior officers but are not satisfied with the response.
“Our only demand is that the policemen who beat him should be arrested. We want justice,” a family member said.
An inquiry has been initiated, and the post-mortem report is awaited. However, the family continues to question the circumstances of his detention and death.
“Why was he stopped? What happened inside the police station? We won’t leave until we get answers,” a relative said.
The incident has heightened tensions in the area, with locals backing the family’s demand for a fair and transparent investigation.
