Buxar (Bihar) February 27 The death of an undertrial prisoner in Buxar Central Jail in Bihar sparked protests by family members and locals, who alleged foul play, officials said on Saturday.
The deceased has been identified as Rajendra Kumar Singh, a resident of Virat Nagar in the district.
Singh was admitted to the central jail on February 12 in connection with a case registered at the Town police station for allegedly selling liquor.
Jail superintendent Gyanita Gaurav told reporters, "Singh was suffering from jaundice and was under treatment. He suffered a heart attack at 9:47 am and was taken to the hospital at 9:51 am, where he was declared dead."
However, relatives alleged that there were injury marks on Singh's cheeks, neck, chest, and abdomen.
The victim's wife alleged that Singh had been in good health during a meeting with her two days earlier and was expecting bail on March 2.
"If it was a heart attack, there would not be so many injury marks," she said, alleging that he was probably "beaten to death" inside the jail.
The allegations sparked protests at the hospital and later on Station Road near Jyoti Prakash Chowk, where numerous people gathered, blocked traffic from about 6 pm to 8:30 pm, and set tires ablaze, officials said.
The blockade was lifted only after senior administrative officers reportedly held talks with the protesters and assured a high-level inquiry and strict action against those found guilty.
Police officials, including Sadar SDPO Gaurav Kumar Pandey and Town SHO Manoj Kumar Singh, reached the spot and assured an impartial probe.
Based on a complaint filed by the family, an FIR has been registered against officials of the central jail, police said.
Protesters alleged that an attempt was made to obtain signatures on a document stating that Singh, who was said to be suffering from jaundice, had died suddenly.
They demanded a government job for the widow, compensation, and criminal action against jail officials. Singh is survived by his wife and two children.
Officials said the exact cause of death would be known only after the post-mortem report and the findings of the inquiry are completed.
