Youth Allegedly Dies by Suicide in Bareilly; Family Accuses Police of Harassment in Missing Girl Case
A tragic incident has come to light from Bareilly district in Uttar Pradesh, where an 18-year-old youth, Mohammad Salman Ansari, was found dead in what is suspected to be a suicide.
His family claims that Salman took this drastic step after being repeatedly summoned and allegedly harassed by the local police in connection with the disappearance of a teenage girl.
Salman was reportedly subjected to severe questioning and physical abuse during police custody, as per his family’s accusations.
The Disappearance Case
The unfortunate incident unfolded in Myudi Khurd village, located in Bareilly, where the young man’s body was discovered on Wednesday. Mohammad Salman’s family believes that their son’s mental state deteriorated due to the sustained pressure and alleged mistreatment he endured from the police.
Salman had been summoned by the authorities multiple times in connection with the investigation into the disappearance of a teenage girl who went missing earlier this year in January.
According to the girl’s father, a formal complaint was lodged with the local Coladia police station on January 8, under Section 137(2) of the Bareilly Nagar Sampark (BNS) Act, leading to a case being registered.
The investigation into the girl’s disappearance began, and Salman was brought into the inquiry after his mobile number appeared in the girl’s call records.
Salman, however, vehemently denied any involvement in the girl’s disappearance, explaining that his phone number was mistakenly associated with the case and that it was another individual from Coladia who had used it.
Despite his explanation, Salman became a prime suspect in the investigation, and this led to his repeated summons by the police over the next several months.
Allegations of Police Misconduct
Salman’s family claims that the young man was subjected to both physical and verbal abuse during his time in police custody.
His brother, Ashiq Ali, alleged that Salman was summoned for questioning a total of nine times in four months, each time enduring harsh treatment by the police.
Ashiq further claimed that the police subjected Salman to undue mental and physical torment, which they believe ultimately led to his tragic death.
On the day of the incident, Salman’s family found him dead at their home.
His relatives immediately raised concerns about the treatment he had received at the hands of the police, claiming that the repeated harassment played a significant role in his suicide.
They believe that the psychological toll caused by the abuse may have led him to take such a drastic step.
Police Denial and Investigations
In response to the family’s accusations, the local police have firmly rejected the claims of police misconduct, calling the allegations “baseless.”
Bareilly Superintendent of Police (North), Mukesh Chandra Mishra, issued a statement clarifying the police’s stance on the matter. Mishra explained that Salman was summoned to the local police station on Saturday, where he was questioned in the presence of his father and the village pradhan (head).
After the interrogation, Salman was released by 6:00 PM, and he was not subjected to any mistreatment during this period, according to police records.
Mishra also suggested the possibility that the girl’s family, in their suspicion of Salman’s involvement in her disappearance, might have subjected him to physical harm.
He stated, “There is a possibility that the girl’s family might have beaten him after suspecting his involvement. However, the police have no role in any such actions.”
Despite rejecting the allegations of police involvement in the alleged abuse, Mishra acknowledged the gravity of the situation and assured that an FIR would be filed against the relatives of the missing girl.
Additionally, the police announced that a separate inquiry would be launched into the alleged misconduct by the police officers involved.
The Family’s Plea for Justice
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, as the family and friends of Salman demand justice. They are calling for a thorough investigation into the events leading up to his death, with a particular focus on the police’s role in the entire matter.
The family insists that Salman was unfairly targeted and subjected to unnecessary pressure during the investigation, and they believe that his emotional state was severely impacted by the abuse.
Salman’s family members have emphasized that they are seeking justice not only for the loss of their beloved son but also to hold accountable those responsible for his distressing death.
His brother, Ashiq Ali, has expressed the family’s frustration with the law enforcement’s handling of the situation and vowed to continue fighting for justice.
Broader Concerns About Police Practices
This case has raised serious concerns regarding police practices and the treatment of individuals during investigations. It has sparked conversations about the need for reform in the way the police handle suspects, especially in sensitive cases like disappearances and abductions, where emotions can run high.
There are calls for better oversight and accountability in the way the police interact with suspects, ensuring that their rights are protected and that they are not subjected to harassment or abuse during the investigation process.
The family’s accusations also underscore the challenges faced by people living in rural areas, where access to legal support and oversight is often limited, and where police brutality or overreach may go unchecked.
This case is likely to prompt further scrutiny of police practices in the region, with hopes that justice will be served for both the deceased youth and the missing girl.
As the investigation continues, both the police and Salman’s family will be awaiting the outcome of the inquiry into the cause of his death.
The police have assured the public that they are committed to conducting a thorough investigation into both the allegations of police misconduct and the circumstances surrounding the young man’s tragic death. Salman’s family remains hopeful that the truth will come to light and that those responsible for his suffering and untimely death will be held accountable.
The case also highlights the pressing need for reform in the way authorities handle sensitive criminal investigations, particularly when it involves young individuals.
It serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between ensuring justice for victims and protecting the rights and well-being of those involved in the investigation process.
