Chhatisgarh suspends IPS officer over custody death of lynching suspect

RAIPUR: IPS officer Vikas Kumar, additional SP of Chhattisgarh’s Kabirdham district, was suspended on Thursday, a day after a suspect in the lynching of a BJP deputy sarpanch was found dead in a prison.
“On the orders of CM Vishnu Deo Sai, Kabirdham ASP Vikas Kumar has been suspended following the death of Prashant Sahu. The CM has also announced an assistance of Rs 10 lakh for his family,” deputy CM Vijay Sharma said.
Speaking to reporters, Sharma said, “The prison death is a matter of investigation.On Tuesday, Prashant was taken to hospital for an examination during which his hand was X-rayed. As per doctors, the report was normal. On Wednesday, after his death, there were injury marks found on his body. His viscera samples have been sent for forensic examination and its report is awaited.”
Chhattisgarh leader of opposition Charandas Mahant alleged that Prashant died due to beating and torture in police custody. Former CM and Congress functionary Bhupesh Baghel visited the spot and accused police of negligence, claiming that they could have prevented the violence.