A year after the alleged custodial death of a youth in Madhopur village near Roorkee, the police have finally registered a murder case against six of their own personnel. The action comes after a district court directed the police to act, following repeated pleas by the victim’s family that had gone unanswered.
The FIR has been filed at Gangnahar Kotwali against Sub-Inspector Sharad Singh, Constables Sunil Saini and Praveen Saini, along with three other policemen. All six now face charges of murder.
According to the complaint, the incident occurred on the night of 24 August 2024, when Waseem, a resident of Madhopur, was returning home after visiting his sister. Near the village pond, he was allegedly stopped by members of a cow protection squad.
His cousin Allauddin has alleged that the policemen first assaulted Waseem with lathis and then threw him into the pond. Villagers, who claim they witnessed the attack under torchlight, rushed to help, but the policemen allegedly threatened to shoot them if they intervened.
The following morning, Waseem’s body was recovered from the pond. Family members said his body bore clear injury marks, suggesting he had been beaten before drowning. They immediately lodged a complaint with police, but no FIR was filed at the time.
Frustrated, the family approached the district court, demanding justice. It was only after the court’s intervention that the case was registered, nearly a year after the alleged crime.
Superintendent of Police (Rural) Shekhar Suyal confirmed that a murder case has now been registered against the six policemen, as per the court’s order. He added that an investigation is underway and action will be taken based on the findings.
The case has sparked outrage among locals and rights groups, who view it as another disturbing example of custodial violence and misuse of authority. Allegations that police personnel not only attacked Waseem but also blocked villagers from saving him have raised serious concerns about accountability.
For Waseem’s family, the fight for justice has been long and painful. They allege that the system failed them until judicial intervention forced the police to act. As the case now moves into the investigation phase, all eyes will be on whether justice is delivered for a young life cut short in such brutal circumstances.
