PRD jawan dies in Dehradun police custody, inquiry launched

A Provincial Guards Force (PRD) jawan died under suspicious circumstances while in police custody at Raipur police station in Dehradun on Saturday, prompting authorities to order a formal inquiry.

The deceased, Sunil Raturi, 45 , was reportedly taken into custody after allegedly misbehaving at Mahadev Petrol Pump in Ladpur . Officials said Raturi refused to pay for fuel and created a disturbance while under the influence of alcohol.

According to Superintendent of Police (Rural) Jaya Baluni , the police attempted to calm him, but when he remained uncooperative, he was detained and his vehicle impounded. A subsequent breathalyser test confirmed he was intoxicated, and a case was registered against him under the Motor Vehicles Act .

Shortly after being placed in the lock-up, Raturi was found unconscious . He was rushed to Coronation Hospital , where he was pronounced dead.

Raturi’s family alleged that he may have committed suicide in custody and demanded strict action against the responsible officers. In response, Dehradun SSP Pramendra Singh Dobal ordered an inquiry to be conducted under National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) guidelines . He confirmed the investigation would be led by a judicial magistrate , and a post-mortem would be carried out by a panel of doctors .

To ensure impartiality, three police personnel, including the Raipur station in-charge, have been temporarily transferred to police lines. PRD personnel, who assist police in various roles and are stationed at government institutions, were among those affected.

The incident has sparked concern over custodial safety, highlighting the urgent need for strict adherence to protocols when handling detainees.