Dalit man dies in MP police station while recording statement; kin allege murder, Cong slams CM
Dewas, Dec 29: The death of a 35-year-old Dalit man inside a police station in Madhya Pradesh's Dewas district triggered protests from his kin who alleged murder, while the opposition Congress on Sunday slammed the Mohan Yadav-led BJP government for "jungle raj" in the state.
Mukesh Longre died on Saturday after being called to Satwas police station here for questioning in a complaint submitted against him by a woman on December 26, Superintendent of Police Puneet Gehlot said.
"While inspector Ashish Rajput was reading his statement, Longre made a noose around his neck with a gamcha (towel), tied it to a window grill in the lock-up and began yanking his neck. Police stopped him and rushed him to a hospital where doctors declared him dead," the SP said.
"There is no case against him. He was just called to record his statement. Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Nandani Uikey is conducting an inquiry into the death. The JMFC visited the spot this morning. The district magistrate has appointed three doctors to over see the post mortem process," Gehlot added.
Gehlot said inspector Ashish Rajput has been suspended, while all other procedures laid down under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita as well as National Human Rights Commission guidelines are being followed fully.
"Some politicians have hijacked the issue, due to which his kin have refused to allow post mortem till the entire staff of the police station is suspended. This is an irrational demand. We have already suspended the inspector since the death took place while he was in charge," Gehlot said.
Meanwhile, Longre's kin alleged police demanded a bribe to lessen the severity of action against him in connection with the woman's complaint, adding the staff later told them he had died.
Amid a protest outside the police station that began on Saturday and continued on Sunday, Longre's kin accused police of murdering him.
Attacking Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, who also holds the home portfolio, the Congress held a protest outside Satwas police station on Sunday, which was attended by the party's state unit chief Jitu Patwari.
"Jungle raj is prevailing in MP. A Dalit man was murdered inside a police station. CM Mohan Yadav must take full responsibility for this incident," Patwari said.
Patwari's colleague and former Union minister Arun Yadav demanded suspension of the entire staff of Satwas police station.
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Karnataka govt directs municipal corps to regulate, prohibit pigeon feeding
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka government has issued directions to municipal corporations across the state to regulate and prohibit feeding pigeons in public places, citing serious public health concerns.
Deputy Secretary to Government V Lakshmikanth has written to the Urban Development Department requesting it to issue directions to the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and all municipal corporations to take immediate steps to implement the measures.
In an official note dated December 16 issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department and released to the media on Wednesday, the department said uncontrolled feeding of pigeons in public places has resulted in large congregations of birds, excessive droppings and serious health concerns, particularly respiratory illnesses linked to prolonged exposure to pigeon droppings and feathers such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis and other lung diseases.
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"The commissioner, the Greater Bengaluru Authority and the Commissioners and chief officers of other municipal corporations shall take necessary action to mitigate the causes of dangerous disease spread by pigeon and enforce specified guidelines in their respective jurisdiction," the note said.
According to the department, these include a prohibition on feeding pigeons or causing pigeons to be fed in areas where it may cause nuisance or pose a health hazard to the public. Pigeon feeding shall be permitted only in designated areas in a controlled manner, subject to certain conditions.
"The designated areas may be selected in consultation with stakeholders. The responsibility for upkeep of the designated areas and compliance to the directions shall be taken up by some charitable organisation or an NGO. The feeding in designated areas shall be permitted only for some limited hours in the day," it said.
The note further stated that authorised officers of local authorities shall issue on-the-spot warnings and may impose fines for violation of the order, or lodge complaints to prosecute offenders under Sections 271 (Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and 272 (Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
It also directed local authorities to conduct public awareness campaigns, including the display of signboards, banners and digital messages, explaining the health hazards associated with pigeon droppings and feathers, the content of the regulatory directions and penalties for violations, and alternative humane methods of bird conservation that do not endanger public health.
