Jail inmate dies after falling ill; family alleges neglect, refuses last rites

A 27-year-old man died after falling ill in a district jail in Punjab’s Sangrur, with his family alleging that he was not provided timely medical treatment and accusing the jail and police administration of negligence. The family has demanded an enquiry into his death and action against those responsible.

The victim, identified as Vishwajeet Sharma, was taken to the Civil Hospital in Sangrur after his health deteriorated in jail. Doctors declared him dead on arrival.

According to his wife Deepika, Vishwajeet had gone to a government hospital in Dhuri area a few days ago to get medicine. She said that the local police took him from the hospital to the police station and later arrested him in a case related to narcotic pills.

The family has further claimed that no narcotic pills were recovered from him and that he was picked up on suspicion. The police have not confirmed these allegations.

Deepika also said Vishwajeet's condition had already deteriorated when she met him in jail. He was down with a high fever, was unable to put weight on his legs properly, and had difficulty speaking. She also alleged that Vishwajeet told her that he had not been given the medicines he needed for his fever and was unable to eat or drink properly.

Vishwajeet's mother-in-law Shashi also accused the police and jail administration of negligence. The family has questioned why he was not provided better medical treatment when his condition was already poor.WHAT POLICE AND HOSPITAL HAVE TO SAY

The hospital and police, however, have given their accounts of what happened after Vishwajeet's condition worsened.

Dr Riya, medical officer at Civil Hospital Sangrur, said Vishwajeet was brought from the district jail at around 6:15 am in a brought-dead condition. After examination, doctors declared him dead, and his body was shifted to the mortuary.

Sukhdeep Singh, senior cop from the Sangrur police station, gave a slightly different account. He said a letter received from the jail stated that Vishwajeet was taken to the hospital at around 6:10 am after his health deteriorated. According to him, doctors declared him dead at around 6:30 am.

The discrepancy in the reported arrival time has raised questions about the sequence of events. He also said that the police would verify the hospital's medical records and other documents as part of the investigation.

A post-mortem examination was conducted under the supervision of a judicial magistrate, after which the body was handed over to the family. The exact cause of death will be clear only after the post-mortem and medical board reports are received.

The family has demanded strict action against those responsible and said they will not perform Vishwajeet's last rites until action is taken.- EndsPublished By: Akash ChatterjeePublished On: Sep 13, 2026 22:11 IST