JAIPUR: The mystery surrounding the alleged custodial death of a 55-year-old ex-serviceman in Kumbher, Bharatpur on August 24, has prompted the Army to step in.

Police sources said Naik Prahlad Singh was arrested for alleged misconduct after he was found drunk next to his motorcycle August 23. While in the lockup, he used a blanket to hang himself.

On August 27, officers of the military station, Bharatpur, wrote a letter to the district administration, which had assured a judicial inquiry into the death, saying they had not received a copy of the Convening Order of the same.

The letter said, “the said ex-serviceman was taken to the police station on the night of August 23 and allegedly subjected to very severe beating and third degree torture by the police personnel there resulting in the death of Naik Prahlad Singh.

Accordingly, Administrative Commandant of Military Station, Bharatpur, contacted Sandesh Nayak, district collector, Bharatpur, on August 24 who assured he is ordering a judicial inquiry into the incident.

However, no copy of Convening and therefore it is requested that a copy of the order be handed over to the Administrative Commandant.”

“Although Prahlad was a veteran we will be following the inquiry in as much as capacity as we can because there are varying reports about his death. Apparently, his family has also lodged an FIR claiming he did not commit suicide and died due to torture,” an Army officer said.

After the letter was sent, the district collector confirmed the required document was handed over to the Army.

“The judicial inquiry has been initiated and we have given a copy of the order to army officials. However, the inquiry is being done by judicial magistrate and we’re not involved in the investigation,” Nayak said.

