CID arrests 4 constables for custodial death

The state Crime Investigation Department (CID) has arrested four constables attached with the Ulhasnagar police for their alleged role in the custodial death of Narayan Rathod in March 2011, the state government told Bombay high court.

Public prosecutor Pandurang Pol told the division bench of Justice SA Bobade and Justice R Dhanuka that the CID has lodged an offence against seven and is investigating the case.

The court was hearing a PIL filed by Hardas Tharwani, a social activist from Ulhasnagar, seeking an independent probe against the alleged killing of Rathod in custody.

As per the PIL, Ulhasnagar residents Govardhandas, 70, and Kavita Dalwani, 65, were killed on February 25, 2011. Govardhandas was a retired CRPF official. After two days, the police called in their son-in-law, Rathod, for questioning. He was called on three other occasions.

On March 1, 2011, however, the constables beat him during questioning, which caused his death, the PIL claimed.