An under-trial prisoner suffering from liver ailments died during treatment in a government hospital under police custody on Wednesday.
An under-trial prisoner named Samir Tripura was a resident of Dhalai district’s Raishyabari area. He was arrested last month for his alleged involvement in a drug smuggling case. Remanding him to judicial custody, a court had directed the jail authorities to ensure that he gets proper treatment in the prison at Kamalpur in the Dhalai district.
After his condition deteriorated, Tripura was first taken to Kamalpur hospital and then to Dhalai district hospital on June 5, the official said. The prisoner Samir Tripura was later shifted to GB Hospital in the state capital Agartala, where he succumbed on Tuesday.
“Although he was in judicial custody, the police will investigate the incident and take appropriate steps,” said Dhalai Superintendent of Police Ramesh Yadav.
The Tripura Human Rights Organization described the death of the under-trial prisoner as shocking and worrisome.
“We want the prison department to investigate the incident thoroughly and take remedial measures. The victim’s family should get suitable compensation,” the rights body’s secretary Purushottam Roy Barman said.
