Now a death in CBI custody in Chhattisgarh: Kin accuse officials of torture, killing

Correspondent

NewsBits.in

BHOPAL/RAIPUR: Death of a detainee in the central bureau of investigation (CBI) custody has led to major controversy.

Shiv Shankar Vaishnav allegedly hanged himself in CBI's custody in Raipur. The CBI officials say that he hanged himself but his kin allege that he was killed.

Vaishnav's wife and kin reached Dr Ambedkar Hospital in Raipur, where they accused CBI officials of murder. "They tortured him and this resulted in his death. Now it is being passed off as suicide", alleged his wife Maya.

She accused a CBI DSP that he was intent on forcing her husband to 'confess'. "The officer wanted to implicate my husband at any cost. I accuse them of torturing my husband, and killing him", she said.

Vaishnav was picked up by CBI in the case of journalist Umesh Rajput's murder. Officials said that Vaishnav had tried to hang himself with a 'gamchha' [traditional scarf]. But how he was allowed to have the scarf in custody, remains a big question.

Umesh Rajput, a journalist was killed in Gariaband in Chhattisgarh more than five years ago. CBI detained two persons in connection with the case recently. Umesh Rajput, who worked with Nai Dunia, was shot dead in his house in January 2011.

The role of policemen investigating the case was also under scanner. It was a high-profile murder case but despite court orders, senior officials dragged feet on probe. It took years before CBI probe could begin. Now, after a suspect's death, a magisterial inquiry has been ordered into circumstances surrounding the death.