A Muslim man from a minority community, Irfan, reportedly died on Sunday, January 19, in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district while receiving treatment for chest pain experienced during police custody.
Irfan, a resident of Khaggu Sarai, was taken to the Raisatti police station in connection with an alleged money transaction case. His wife, Reshma, recounted that a team of five police officers arrived at their home and insisted that Irfan accompany them to the station. “We begged them to allow him to take his medication as he had recently undergone nose surgery, but they ignored our pleas,” she said.
A heart patient and father of four, Irfan’s health deteriorated rapidly outside the police station, where he collapsed. His family rushed him to the hospital, but he was declared dead, according to Reshma. The family alleges that police negligence led to his untimely demise.
The incident has sparked outrage, with Irfan’s family and local residents accusing the police of inaction and neglect. The case has intensified demands for accountability and justice, as community members express their anger over what they describe as a preventable tragedy. Authorities are yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.
According to the Sambhal police, they received a complaint from a woman on Sunday morning who alleged harassment from her son over a property dispute. In her police complaint, she said even after paying Rs 6 lakh to her son, the harassment continued. The FIR stated the money was sent through Irfan.
“Upon receiving the complaint, we sent a police team to question Irfan. Once at the station, he complained of chest pain. Irfan was immediately given medical treatment,” a Sambhal police officer said.
The police officer categorically denies allegations by Irfan’s family that the police did not allow him to take the medication. “It is completely false. We have CCTV footage which shows Irfan taking his medication while in the police station,” the police officer told local media.
The officer added that the body had been sent for postmortem and reports are awaited. — With Agencies Inputs