Jammu, Jan 16: Outraged at the alleged “custodial killing” of a vegetable vendor, scores of people staged a demonstration here on Sunday. Protesters were demanding stern action against the accused police officials following which district administration ordered a magisterial probe. 
 The deceased Vijay Kumar, son of Milkhi Ram, of Barjala village Satwari, according to the locals, was arrested by Janipur police on December 22, 2010. 
 Locals alleged that Kumar was subjected to “third degree torture” in police custody due to which he died. Police, however, claimed that the deceased consumed some intoxicant, which led to his death.
 Sources said that Kumar was shifted to Government Medical College Hospital (GMCH) Jammu early this morning. However, doctors declared him brought dead.
 As the word about the alleged custodial killing spread in Barjala area scores of people rushed to the GMCH and staged a demonstration. They staged a sit-in demanding action against the erring policemen.
 Following protests district administration immediately ordered a magisterial probe and constituted a board of three senior doctors to conduct postmortem of the body.
 However, when the body of the deceased reached his native village, a large number of people again took to the streets and staged a demonstration. They blocked Satwari-Phalan Mandal road for nearly 3-hours, amid anti police slogans.
 The Minister of Revenue and Relief, Raman Bhalla rushed to the spot and pacified the protestors.
 The Minister assured the protesters, that justice would be done. He informed the protesters that widow of the deceased had been appointed as Special Police Officer (SPO). He also handed over the appointment orders to her on the spot.

Lastupdate on : Sun, 16 Jan 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 16 Jan 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 17 Jan 2011 00:00:00 IST