Tension in Bijnor after undertrial’s death; 2 wardens face suspension

Bijnor: Tension persisted in Bijnor on Monday after the death of undertrial Deepak Kumar in district jail. Following the post-mortem, his last rites were performed late in the evening.

Police registered a case against 12 named persons and 30–40 unidentified protesters for creating unrest. Two jail wardens were suspended for alleged negligence, while district magistrate Jasjit Kaur ordered a magisterial probe by SDM sadar.

Kumar, a history sheeter accused from Prithvipur, allegedly died by hanging under suspicious circumstances on Sunday, triggering protests by family members and villagers at the post-mortem house.

According to SP city Krishna Gopal Singh, Kumar had been lodged in jail since Feb 18, 2025, in connection with a robbery case. He had been admitted to a jail hospital recently. On Sunday afternoon, he was found hanging from a tree behind the jail hospital premises.

Soon after the news spread, relatives and villagers gathered at the post-mortem house and staged a protest, accusing jail officials of murder and ignoring prior complaints made by the inmate. They later blocked traffic at the busy Judge’s Square intersection.

Police have sent the body for post-mortem and begun an inquiry to determine the cause of death.

According to family members, Kumar had secured bail on May 7 and was supposed to be released the following day, raising further questions about the circumstances of his death.