Representational image. (Picture: Thinkstock)
The Delhi government has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the death of a 34-year-old man who tried to intervene in a road-side fight between a couple and the police at northeast Delhi's Nand Nagri area. The man's wife has alleged that her husband's death was because of police torture.
According to police, the deceased, Shanu Shahnawaz Chaudhary, was with his wife, Mamta, on a motorcycle when the incident took place on Monday.
Delhi's Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia directed the District Magistrate to probe the allegations, after local MLA Rajendra Gautam and residents complained to the Delhi government about the incident.
"DM Shahdara, Abhishek Singh, will conduct the probe into the Nand Nagri incident. He has been directed to submit his report at the earliest," a senior government officer said.
According to the police, Chaudhary noticed that a couple, Shamsad and Farha, were fighting near the Gagan Cinema traffic signal. Farha had reportedly called the police alleging domestic violence by her husband.
Farha sat inside a police vehicle, asking that she and her husband be taken to the police station. Shahnawaz Chaudhary allegedly started to force Farha to de-board, police said. This led to a heated argument between Chaudhary and the police, who objected to his intervention, and the argument soon turned violent, police claimed.
Soon, an emergency response vehicle (ERV) rushed to the spot and both the couples were asked to come with the cops to the Nand Nagri police station. While Shamsad and Farha sat inside the PCR van, Chaudhary and Mamta were asked to board the ERV.
"Chaudhary complained about feeling nauseous, which intensified within a few minutes. Chaudhary was taken to GTB Hospital, where he died during treatment," a senior police officer said.
However, Chaudhary's wife has alleged that her husband's death was due to police torture.
The inquiry ordered by the Delhi government is aimed at uncovering if Chaudhary died because of police atrocities.
The police have claimed that Chaudhary was in an inebriated state when the incident took place.
During investigation, it also emerged that Chaudhary was out on parole. He was sent to jail around four months ago in connection with a criminal case.