In the wake of the recent death of gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari in police custody in Uttar Pradesh, Congress leader Pankhuri Pathak has raised concerns over the alarming rate of custodial deaths in the state.
Pathak, who heads the Congress's social media wing in Uttar Pradesh, has called for a comprehensive judicial probe into every death occurring in police custody, highlighting the need for accountability and transparency in law enforcement.
According to Pathak, Uttar Pradesh has gained the unfortunate distinction of leading the nation in custodial killings. She emphasises that custodial deaths affect individuals from diverse backgrounds, including Dalits, Muslims, Brahmins, traders, and people from various caste groups.
The prevalence of such incidents across different segments of society underscores the urgency for a thorough investigation into each case to ascertain accountability and prevent future occurrences.
The recent demise of Mukhtar Ansari, who was incarcerated in Banda jail, has drawn significant attention and raised questions about the circumstances surrounding his death.
While Ansari's family has alleged foul play, citing suspicions of slow poisoning, prison authorities have denied these allegations. The conflicting narratives surrounding Ansari's demise highlight the need for a transparent investigation to address concerns and ensure justice.
Pathak's call for a judicial inquiry into custodial deaths reflects broader concerns about the accountability and conduct of law enforcement agencies in Uttar Pradesh. She emphasises that the unchecked power wielded by the state government and police administration poses a significant threat to the rule of law and public safety. The prevalence of custodial deaths underscores the urgency for systemic reforms to prevent abuses of power and ensure accountability within the criminal justice system.
The demand for a high-level inquiry into Ansari's death has garnered support from various political figures, including Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati.
Additionally, Bhim Army founder Chandrashekhar Azad has called for a CBI investigation into the matter, reflecting the widespread concern and calls for transparency surrounding custodial deaths in Uttar Pradesh.
As the issue continues to attract attention and scrutiny, it underscores the importance of addressing systemic flaws within the criminal justice system to prevent abuses of power and ensure accountability.
The demand for a comprehensive judicial probe into custodial deaths reflects a broader push for transparency, accountability, and justice in law enforcement practices.
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