Mansa Overdose Case: Kin Allege Pressure, Body Taken Without Consent

The death of Daljit Singh from a suspected drug overdose in Bhamme Kalan village of Mansa district has sparked a dispute between the family and the police. Relatives have accused officers of taking the body without consent and pressuring them to sign documents.

The family has sought a transparent investigation into the death and a probe into how narcotics, especially chitta, are reaching the area.

In a conversation with IANS, a relative alleged that the police were attempting to convert the case into a homicide inquiry. He said the police had taken his father away and were moving the body for postmortem without any approval from the household.

The relative questioned the authority under which the police were acting against the family's wishes. He said officers had come to the house and insisted that the family sign papers.

The family also alleged that the body was being taken far from them and that vehicles were stopped, causing distress to relatives.

Relatives said they have endured hardship for 10 years while raising their children. They mentioned a five-year-old girl and expressed hope that no other family would face similar suffering.

Their main demand, the family said, is a probe into the drug business and clarity in the death investigation. They added that they have no personal complaint against anyone, but were deeply pained at being kept away from the body.

The relative said that if police suspect murder, they should proceed on the basis of evidence.

The family also voiced concern that their father could be pressured into giving statements in custody. They pointed out that the wife, mother and sister of the deceased are present and said all statements must be recorded impartially.

Relatives asked the police to display the documents on which signatures are allegedly obtained. If consent was given, they said, the police should produce proof.

If questioning is required, the family wants all members seated together and their statements recorded at the same time. They alleged that separating members and claiming others had given different accounts could be aimed at misleading them.

The family said it has no personal agenda and seeks only a fair inquiry and the disclosure of actual facts.

They also argued that even if the body was taken to maintain law and order, that does not justify holding family members.