The family of the deceased — identified as Yogesh Kumar, a resident of Aligarh — meanwhile, has accused the police personnel of being “responsible” for his death. They have alleged that the police personnel had demanded Rs 5 lakh bribe to release him from the custody. “One of his co-workers had accused him of rape, and he was called for questioning at the police outpost on Wednesday. At around 10 am on Thursday, he died by suicide by hanging himself in the barracks beside the outpost. He was taken to a nearby hospital, but doctors declared him dead on arrival. This is a serious issue, and an investigation is underway. We are following the NHRC guidelines,” said Suniti, deputy commissioner of police (Central Noida).

“…All the police personnel present at the post at the time of the incident have been suspended with immediate effect, and the Additional DCP (Noida) has been directed to conduct a detailed investigation into the matter. Strict action will be taken against whoever is found responsible (for negligence),” said a senior police officer, requesting anonymity.

Based on a complaint filed by the family of the man, a case is being registered under relevant Indian Penal Code sections, said police. “He was just 19 years old… Police had come to our house around 11 am on Wednesday and took him to the outpost. They demanded a Rs 5 lakh bribe. I gave them Rs 50,000 that night, and promised them to pay Rs 4.5 lakh more the next morning. But they killed him by hanging him… I was at the outpost till 10 pm on Wednesday, and returned at
6 am in the morning… he was dead by then,” said Jitendra, brother of the deceased, adding that Yogesh wanted to become a chef.

Jitendra further said that he will file a complaint against the complainant woman, adding he wants her to be arrested soon. “…I want the police personnel to be suspended,” he added.