A 36-year-old man, who was arrested for questioning after his stepdaughter accused him of raping her, died after falling ill while in police custody, an official said on Monday.
The official added that an investigation has been opened to investigate the matter, and strict legal measures will be taken against any police personnel found guilty of negligence.
Shahjahanpur Superintendent of Police Saurabh Dixit told PTI on Monday that a 17-year-old girl had filed a complaint alleging that her stepfather, Pradeep, had been sexually abusing her for the past three years.
The police said that despite her marriage in April this year, the accused continued to assault her and threatened to reveal the matter to her husband if she resisted.
Following the complaint, Pradeep was brought to the police station for questioning on Sunday evening.
The service provider said: “During the night, his health began to deteriorate, and he complained of breathing difficulties. He was immediately transferred to a local government hospital. After initial treatment, he was transferred to the Government Medical College, where he died during treatment.”
Dr Zafar Saifi, a doctor at the Primary Health Centre, said: “The patient had a history of high blood pressure, his blood pressure was high, and he was slipping into a state of unconsciousness. After we gave him initial treatment and put him on an oxygen support machine, we transferred him to the College of Medicine.”
The police registered a case under relevant sections based on the survivor’s complaint, and the body of the deceased was sent for post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.
When asked how the minor girl got married, the SP said an investigation was underway.
