Thu Jan 09 02:09:51 UTC 2025: **Lakhimpur Kheri Police Accused of Custodial Death, Family Demands Action**

**Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh, January 9, 2025** – The family of Ramachandra (35), who died after a police raid on Monday, January 6th, has accused police of custodial death and demanded a thorough investigation and ₹30 lakh in compensation. Police claim Ramachandra, an accused under the Gangster Act, collapsed while fleeing during the raid.

A video has surfaced online showing Lakhimpur DSP P.P. Singh telling the family there would be no action against the officers involved, stating that neither the SHO of Nighasan nor Majhgain police stations would be suspended, and the family would not receive compensation. He further stated, “Do whatever you can. Keep the body for as many days.”

The family maintains that Ramachandra, arrested for alleged involvement in illicit liquor production, died in police custody after his health deteriorated. They allege the police forcibly took his body for a post-mortem without their consent. Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Pawan Gautam countered that the post-mortem, conducted by a panel of doctors and video-recorded, attributed the death to shock. Viscera samples have been preserved for further analysis.

Following the death, relatives and villagers protested at the health center, demanding an investigation and compensation. They refused to perform the last rites until their demands were met. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav shared the video online, criticizing the ruling BJP. The incident remains under investigation.

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