West Bengal Government Orders CID Probe into Custodial Death

The West Bengal government has officially ordered a CID investigation into the death of Birju Kevat, who passed away while in police custody. The incident occurred ten days ago in Halisahar, leading to significant public concern regarding police conduct.

Details of the Incident

Birju Kevat, a 48-year-old resident of Pramodnagar in Halisahar, was arrested on August 6 on charges including extortion and assault. He was presented before the Barrackpore court on August 7 and placed in police custody for five days. On August 8, Kevat was found unconscious inside the police lock-up and was later declared dead by doctors at the hospital.

Administrative Action Taken

Following the incident, the investigating officer Firoz Mallick was suspended, and the station house officer Tamal Dutta was closed to police lines. The government has also promised financial assistance and a state job to the family of the deceased. The CID will now examine the circumstances surrounding the death and determine the roles of those responsible. The family of the deceased and local representatives have expressed their support for the investigation, seeking transparency and justice in the case.