Hoshiarpur, February 25 An undertrial died on Wednesday while being transferred from the central jail here to a government hospital, triggering a protest by his family members and acquaintances who staged a sit-in and blocked traffic for nearly two hours, police said.
Munish Bhatti, a resident of Balmik Mohalla, was in custody at the Central Jail since February 2, 2025, on charges registered against him under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, they said.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (Central Jail) Manjit Singh Dhillon said Bhatti complained of feeling unwell in the morning and was immediately taken to Government Hospital, Hoshiarpur.
However, doctors declared him dead on arrival.
Several residents of Balmik Mohalla, believed to be Bhatti's supporters, held a protest, alleging negligence on the part of the jail authorities. The protesters claimed that timely medical treatment was not provided to Bhatti despite his deteriorating health condition, which led to his death.
They raised slogans against the police and the jail administration and demanded action against those responsible.
Dhillon, however, refuted the allegations, stating that due procedure was followed.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (City) Dev Dutt Sharma assured the protesters that an investigation into the death would be conducted.
He said a request would also be sent to the magistrate in this regard, and justice would be ensured. Following the assurance, the protesters lifted the sit-in and blockade.