Youth dies in custody, police officer suspended

The alleged custodial death of a youth today sparked protests in the Anara railway colony in the district.
Residents of the colony said a youth, Eric Soren (20), was picked up by the Police last night in connection with an incident of theft.
Soren's family members were informed today by the Police that he has been admitted to the Raghunathpur state general hospital as he was ill.
When his parents and relatives reached the hospital, they found Eric dead, a relative said.
"My son was picked up by the police and was beaten to death," alleged Mahendra Kumar Soren, Eric's father after filing an FIR with the Para police station.

Additional Superintendent of Police Dhritiman Bhattacharaya said, "After receiving the father's complaint, we have suspended an ASI Pankaj Gupta and investigations are on."

Residents of Anara railway colony blocked the Purulia-Barakar Road demanding immediate arrest of the accused police officers.
The blockade is still continuing. The BJP has called a bandh in the area in protest of Eric's death.
Additional forces have also been rushed to the area, the ASP said.