Man dies in custody in Kailali; relatives allege torture

Dhangadhi: A man held in custody in Kailali has died, raising serious concerns and allegations from his family members. Harish Pali, 28, a resident of Bhasheshwor Rural Municipality-5, Dadeldhura, died on Monday night during treatment, according to the District Police Office, Kailali. He had been arrested in connection with a banking offense.

While police confirmed that Pali died during treatment, they have not disclosed the duration of his custody. Two months ago, Pali was briefly detained for two hours in Mahendranagar for a financial transaction involving an Indian citizen. He was later transferred from Dadeldhura to the District Police Office, Kailali, using a private vehicle.

After being processed at the District Police Office, Pali was sent to the District Jail, Kailali. Less than two days after being admitted to jail, he reportedly fell ill and was transferred to Seti Provincial Hospital for treatment, according to Deputy Superintendent of Police Rajkumar Singh, spokesperson for the District Police Office.

However, Pali’s relatives have alleged that he was subjected to torture either in police custody or in prison prior to being taken to the hospital. They claim that despite requesting CCTV footage, none was provided, prompting accusations that Pali may have been murdered.

The family further alleged that Rs 85,000 was transferred to the account of Deputy Inspector of Police Harijit Nath on Asad 20. Upon seeing Pali’s body in the morgue of Seti Provincial Hospital, relatives reported visible bruises and bleeding from the back of his head.