Jun 19, Kathmandu - A Deputy Inspector of Police (DIP) has been taken into custody in relation to the death of a prisoner at Kailali Jail. DIP Harjit Nath, stationed at the District Police Office, Kailali, was detained for questioning, according to DSP Rajkumar Singh.

Nath is currently in detention as an investigation is ongoing. The deceased, Haris Singh Pali, aged 28, of Bhageshwor Rural Municipality-5, Dadeldhura, died while in custody at Kailali Prison.

The victim’s wife, Janaki Saund, lodged a complaint alleging that her husband was beaten and killed inside the prison under the plan of Sai Nath. Sai Nath has been arrested in connection with the case. He is also the plaintiff in a banking crime case in which Pali was a defendant.

In a related case filed by Nath, the district court sentenced Pali to 10 days in prison along with a fine of Rs. 200,000 in Falgun 2080 BS. Pali was arrested from Dadeldhura on 29 Jestha and transported to Dhangadhi by Kailali police on 30 Jestha. He was produced in court on 1 Asad, as he was on leave on 31 Jestha, and was subsequently sent to district jail to serve his sentence.

The following night, Pali was found unconscious near the prison bathroom and was rushed to Seti Provincial Hospital, where he died that night. His family has raised suspicions, pointing out wounds and bruises on his body and demanding a thorough investigation.

With the arrest of the suspect, the victim’s family is prepared to receive the body. Police have stated that the body will be handed over after an autopsy at Seti Provincial Hospital.

A protest demanding a fair investigation was held in Dadeldhura on Wednesday. Responding to mounting pressure, the Kailali District Administration Office has formed a seven-member investigation committee, led by Assistant Chief District Officer Kiran Joshi, to scrutinize the incident.