Reply on Latehar minor’s death in police custody by June 24: HC to state

Ranchi: The Jharkhand high court on Monday took suo moto cognizance of the death of a minor in Latehar police custody and directed the state govt to file a response in the matter by June 24.A division bench, headed by Justice Rongon Mukhopadhyay, was hearing a criminal writ petition filed by Savitri Devi, alleging the custodial death of her minor son. The court took suo motu cognizance of the matter and observed that the death of the minor in police custody as well as the alleged demand of bribe by police officers of Mahuatanr police station in Latehar was a serious matter.One Durgesh Mahto (15), a resident of Hami village in Latehar, was reportedly missing since March 31. His body was found in a field in Latehar the next day. Mahto's mother, Manu Devi, stated that her son was assaulted, leading to his death.Earlier, Manu Devi alleged that Savitri Devi had warned them that Durgesh Mahto should mend his ways or he would be taught a lesson. Based on this statement, the minor son of Savitri Devi was picked up by the Mahuatanr police and taken into custody. He was interrogated and exposed to third-degree methods in the police station, which ultimately resulted in his death. The police had also reportedly demanded a bribe of Rs 2.5 lakh for releasing him.The court would next take up the case on June 24.