Archive · 6 Nov 2025
Dalit Man Dies in Custody After Theft Accusation; 3 Booked
A 35-year-old Dalit man named Sanjay Kumar Sonkar died after being taken into custody by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) in Uttar Pradesh.
His family says the police tortured him, leading to his death.
The police were investigating the theft of oil from a train, and they claim they picked up Sanjay because he was identified as a suspect and oil was found with him.
However, the police also state that his health got worse while they were recovering the stolen goods, and they took him to the hospital where he was declared dead.
Three police officers involved have been suspended and are now facing murder charges.
An investigation is currently underway.
A 35-year-old Dalit man, Sanjay Kumar Sonkar, died in Railway Protection Force (RPF) custody in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh.
His family alleges that Sonkar was subjected to custodial torture, leading to his death.
Sonkar was picked up by RPF personnel on Tuesday in connection with the theft of oil from a goods train.
Three RPF personnel have been booked for murder, suspended, and a departmental inquiry has been initiated.
Police state that Sonkar's health deteriorated during the recovery process and he was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
- Who
- Sanjay Kumar Sonkar (35, Dalit man), three Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel.
- What
- Sanjay Kumar Sonkar died in custody after being picked up for theft. His family alleges custodial torture, and three RPF personnel have been booked for murder.
- When
- Tuesday morning (detention) - Tuesday (death)
- Where
- Gonda district, Uttar Pradesh
- Why
- Sonkar was picked up in connection with the theft of oil from a goods train.
Victim's Family
Railway Police
Cause of Death
Victim's Family
The family alleges custodial torture led to Sanjay Kumar Sonkar's death.
Railway Police
Railway Police claim Sanjay's health deteriorated during the recovery process, and he was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. A preliminary medical report suggests he was brought dead.
Police Action
Victim's Family
RPF personnel allegedly took Sanjay from his home and tortured him.
Railway Police
Three RPF personnel have been suspended and booked for murder; a departmental inquiry is underway. Police confirmed a murder case is registered.
- Victim
- Sanjay Kumar Sonkar (35), Dalit man
- Location
- Gonda district, Uttar Pradesh
- Alleged Crime
- Theft of oil from a goods train
- Custody Details
- Picked up Tuesday morning; died same day. Rushed to government medical college, pronounced dead on arrival.
- Police Personnel Booked
- Three RPF personnel (two sub-inspectors, one constable)
- Current Status
- Murder case registered against three RPF personnel; departmental inquiry initiated.
