An undertrial died on Wednesday while being taken from the Central Jail here to a government hospital. The incident led to a protest by his family members and acquaintances, who staged a sit-in and blocked traffic for nearly two hours, police said.
The deceased, Munish Bhatti, was a resident of Balmik Mohalla. He had been lodged in the Central Jail since February 2, 2025. Police said two cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act had been registered against him.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (Central Jail) Manjit Singh Dhillon said Bhatti complained of feeling uneasy in the morning. He was immediately rushed to Government Hospital, Hoshiarpur, for treatment. However, doctors declared him brought dead on arrival at the hospital.
Soon after the news spread, several residents of Balmik Mohalla, said to be Bhatti’s supporters, gathered outside and staged a dharna. They alleged negligence on the part of the jail authorities. The protesters claimed that Bhatti was not given timely medical treatment despite his health deteriorating, which led to his death.
They raised slogans against the police and jail administration and sought strict action against those responsible. Dhillon denied the allegations and said that all procedures were properly followed by the jail authorities.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (City) Dev Dutt Sharma assured the protesters that a thorough investigation would be conducted into the matter. He said a request would also be sent to the magistrate for further inquiry and that justice would be ensured. After the assurance, the protesters called off the sit-in and lifted the traffic blockade.
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