Outrage in Bihar Over Alleged Custodial Death Sparks Demand for Justice

In Bihar's Muzaffarpur district, three police officers face charges over the alleged custodial death of Shivam Jha. The FIR, prompted by Jha's mother Rinku Devi, accuses the officers of murder. Outrage ensued, prompting opposition leaders to criticize the incident as exemplifying police atrocities in the region.

Three police officers in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, are facing legal action following the alleged custodial death of Shivam Jha, a young man who died in police custody last week. The incident has ignited public and political outrage, with many questioning police conduct under the current administration.

Superintendent of Police (Rural) Vidyasagar has confirmed that an FIR has been lodged against former SHO Sudhakar Pandey, sub-inspector S K Singh, and constable Raghu Paswan, based on a complaint by Rinku Devi, Jha's mother. The officers, suspended after the incident, are charged under several sections, including murder.

The complaint alleges Jha was wrongfully arrested on February 3 for supposed possession of arms, leading to his confinement and subsequent death in the lock-up. When Jha's family attempted to intervene, they were reportedly driven away. Opposition figures such as Dipankar Bhattacharya and Tejashwi Yadav have criticized the event as indicative of police misconduct in Bihar.

(With inputs from agencies.)