Raigarh Police Release CCTV Footage in Custody Death Case of Sanjay Baghel; Denies Allegations of Assault
Raigarh
In a major development, Raigarh police on Tuesday released CCTV footage and medical records related to the death of 32-year-old Sanjay Baghel, who died while in judicial custody on June 13. The case has sparked allegations of police assault and extortion by the victim’s family.
Baghel, a resident of Nawapara, was arrested by Kotraroad police on June 10 under the Excise Act for allegedly possessing 30 litres of illicit country-made liquor. Following the allegations of custodial assault and bribery demands, a judicial inquiry was ordered by the JMFC court in Raigarh.
At a press conference, SSP Singh, along with DSP Sushanto Banerjee and Senior Scientific Officer P.S. Bhagat, presented CCTV footage and official records detailing the sequence of events from arrest to jail admission.
According to police, Head Constable Shyamdev Sahu and Constable Shambhu Chouhan intercepted Baghel near Arshipali Chowk around 11 am on June 10 following a tip-off and recovered 30 litres of illicit mahua liquor. He was taken to Kotraroad police station at 12:43 pm.
Police claim the CCTV footage shows Baghel sitting outside the lock-up area and not inside it. His brother Ajay Baghel and relative Rakesh Baghel later arrived at the station after being informed. The formal arrest was recorded at 2:15 pm in their presence.
Officials also said the footage shows Baghel being given food and water and allowed to meet relatives at the station veranda.
He was later taken for medical examination and fingerprinting before being produced in court. CCTV footage reportedly shows him leaving the police station at 4:35 pm. The medical report states he showed no visible injuries or complaints and was declared fit by the doctor.
Baghel was then sent to jail around 6:30 pm, with his relative also present during the process, police said.
SSP Singh maintained that the CCTV evidence and official documents indicate no assault or mistreatment occurred during custody.
However, the post-mortem report mentions that injuries found on the body were not the cause of death. Doctors have recommended histopathological and viscera examination to determine the exact cause.
Meanwhile, Head Constable Shyamdev Sahu and Constable Shambhu Chouhan have been attached to the police lines pending inquiry into the bribery allegations. The investigation is being conducted by the DSP Headquarters.
Key Highlights:
- Custody death of Sanjay Baghel under investigation
- Police release CCTV footage and medical records
- Family alleges assault and extortion
- Authorities deny allegations citing evidence and reports
- Forensic tests pending to confirm cause of death
