PTC Web Desk: A 20-year-old girl, identified as Rajbir Kaur, died at the Bhikhiwind police station in Tarn Taran district. Punjab, after spending four days in police custody in connection with a murder case.

The incident has raised questions over the circumstances surrounding her death, with Rajbir Kaur’s family alleging that something went wrong while she was in police custody. The police, however, have said that she allegedly died by suicide inside the police station bathroom.

The incident took place after a dispute at Kalsian Kalan village, where a man was killed after bricks and stones were allegedly thrown during a domestic dispute.

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The police had kept Rajbir in custody for the past four days as part of the investigation.

According to police officials, Rajbir Kaur asked the woman constable on duty for permission to use the bathroom on Sunday.

The police said she remained inside for a considerable period. When she did not come out, the woman constable reportedly went inside and found Rajbir hanging from a noose made from her dupatta. She was immediately taken to the government hospital, where doctors declared her dead.

The police have maintained that there was no indication that Rajbir would take such a step and denied allegations that she was tortured while in custody.

(Suicide is a serious mental health issue. If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts, seek help immediately. Reach out to trusted family or friends, or contact the Government of India’s Jeevan Aastha helpline at 1800 233 3330 for support. You are not alone, and help is available.)

Family raises serious questions

Rajbir Kaur's family has disputed the police version and raised serious questions about her death. The family members have alleged that something may have happened to her while she was in police custody. They said Rajbir was not someone who would take such a step and demanded a fair and impartial investigation.

The family also appealed to the authorities to establish the circumstances leading to her death and provide justice.

Magistrate inquiry ordered

Following the incident, the police informed the District and Sessions Judge about Rajbir Kaur's death in writing. The District and Sessions Judge subsequently directed JMIC Patti Simranjit Singh to conduct a magistrate inquiry into the matter.

The inquiry is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the death and establish what happened while Rajbir was in police custody.

Police deny torture allegations

Bhikhiwind police officer Harpreet Singh said Rajbir had told the police that she wanted to use the bathroom. He said the police had no reason to believe that she would take such a step. The officer also rejected the family's allegations of torture, stating that Rajbir was not subjected to any physical or other form of torture by the police.