GUWAHATI: Govind Rajbanshi, a detainee in the Jalukbari police lock-up, was found dead under mysterious circumstances on Wednesday, September, 4. The incident has raised fresh concerns about the treatment of prisoners and the growing issue of custodial deaths in Assam.
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Rajbanshi, a resident of Mangaldoi and known for his criminal history involving motorcycle thefts in Guwahati and its surroundings, was discovered lifeless in the lock-up bathroom. The exact cause of death remains unclear, with authorities suggesting multiple possibilities.
Police sources have indicated that Rajbanshi’s severe drug dependency might have played a role in his demise. They believe that the withdrawal from his regular drug intake could have led to a fatal heart attack. Alternatively, the possibility of suicide has not been ruled out.
Speaking to GPlus, an official from Jalukbari Police Station said, "He was known to take narcotics and had a history of similar offences. He might have committed suicide or suffered a heart attack as a result of not having his usual dosage while locked up. We are looking into the situation."
At Jalukbari Police Station, this is not an isolated incident. Numerous custodial deaths at the same facility have been highlighted in previous media investigations, raising severe concerns about the supervision and circumstances in place. One recent instance is the death of Md. Jeherul Islam, who was discovered hanging in the toilet of the Jalukbari police station on December 4, 2023.
The death of Govind Rajbanshi has once again brought the issue of custodial deaths into the spotlight, prompting calls for a thorough investigation and greater accountability within the police force.
