Archive · 29 Aug 2026
Badaun Custodial Death Spurs Murder Case Amid Police Denial
Rajesh was taken to a police station after two groups argued during a community feast.
Police said he was being questioned and later booked for breach of peace.
On Friday afternoon, he became unwell after returning from the washroom.
He was taken to two hospitals but died during treatment.
Police said a post-mortem found cardiac arrest and no injuries.
They also said CCTV showed no assault or torture at the station.
Rajesh’s family had concerns about how they were informed about his health.
Police separately opened a murder case against his cousin after Rajesh’s brother filed a complaint.
Rajesh, 28, died after being taken to a Badaun police station for questioning following a village clash.
Police said he collapsed after returning from the washroom and later died during treatment at Badaun district hospital.
The post-mortem cited cardiac arrest and found no injury marks, according to police.
Police filed a murder case against Rajesh’s maternal cousin, Raghuveer, and others following a complaint by Rajesh’s brother.
Rajesh’s family raised concerns about notification of his health, while Congress questioned what happened in police custody.
- Who
- Rajesh, a 28-year-old man; his cousin Raghuveer; Badaun police; and Rajesh’s brother, who filed the complaint.
- What
- Rajesh died after being detained for questioning, while police attributed the death to cardiac arrest and registered a murder case against his cousin and others.
- When
- The clash occurred on Thursday; Rajesh collapsed around 4 p.m. on Friday; the police case was reported on Saturday, August 29.
- Where
- The incident involved the Dataganj police station, Atsena village, Dataganj Community Health Centre, and Badaun district hospital in Uttar Pradesh.
- Why
- Rajesh was taken for questioning after a clash between two groups during a community feast, reportedly over loud DJ music.
Family and Political Critics
Police and Medical Account
Cause of death
Family and Political Critics
Rajesh’s family and Congress questioned what happened while he was in police custody and raised broader concerns about alleged violence and discrimination against Dalits.
Police and Medical Account
Police said the post-mortem found cardiac arrest, no injury marks were present, and CCTV did not show assault or torture.
Police handling
Family and Political Critics
Rajesh’s family alleged that authorities did not properly inform them about his deteriorating health.
Police and Medical Account
Police said officers rushed Rajesh to medical facilities after he collapsed and that no information indicated he had been assaulted or tortured.
Responsibility for death
Family and Political Critics
Rajesh’s brother’s complaint alleged that a dispute with Raghuveer was connected to Rajesh’s death, prompting a murder case.
Police and Medical Account
Police have not attributed the death to custodial assault and said an impartial inquiry will determine whether anyone was responsible.
- Deceased
- Rajesh, aged 28
- Reported medical cause
- Cardiac arrest, according to the post-mortem cited by police
- Police account
- CCTV showed Rajesh collapsing after returning from the washroom; police said there were no signs of assault or torture
- Murder case
- Registered against Rajesh’s maternal cousin Raghuveer and others
- Complaint
- Filed by Rajesh’s brother, citing a dispute between Rajesh and Raghuveer
- Initial detention
- Rajesh was questioned and later booked for breach of peace after a clash at a community feast
- Inquiry
- The SSP said an impartial inquiry would be conducted and action taken if anyone was found responsible