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Custody Death Sparks Violent Protest in Bihar
4 Apr
Summary
- Youth died in police custody after arrest for motorcycle theft.
- Family accuses police of torture, rejecting suicide claim.
- Protestors vandalized police station and assaulted officers.

Tension erupted in Bihar's Katihar district after a 24-year-old man, Rakesh Kumar Yadav, died in police custody on Saturday morning. Yadav was arrested on Thursday night on suspicion of motorcycle theft. His family vehemently disputes the police's account that he attempted suicide by hanging himself in the lock-up. They allege that police subjected him to severe torture to extract a confession, with his sister-in-law claiming the SHO strangled him.
Following the news of his death, angry locals and family members took to the streets, blocking a state highway and vandalizing the Phalka police station. The mob also assaulted police officers. In response, authorities suspended the SHO and the investigating officer and ordered a thorough probe into the incident. A special investigation team has been formed to examine all aspects of the case and maintain law and order.