24-Year-Old Dies in Police Custody After Gambling Den Raid in Lucknow: Family Alleges Brutality

A tragic incident in Lucknow has sparked outrage after a 24-year-old man, Aman Gautam, died in police custody following his arrest during a raid on a suspected gambling den. Gautam’s family has accused the police of brutally beating him to death, a claim that the police have denied. The incident has drawn widespread attention, with Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president Mayawati demanding accountability and action against those responsible.

The raid took place on Friday night, October 11, 2024, in Ambedkar Park, located in Sector 8, Vikasnagar, where local authorities had received reports of illegal gambling activities. According to Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) Jitendra Kumar Dubey, two individuals, including Aman Gautam, were taken into custody during the raid. However, what followed has become the subject of intense controversy.

"While being escorted to the police station, Gautam’s condition suddenly deteriorated, prompting officers to rush him to the nearest hospital. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead on arrival," ADCP Dubey reported. The exact cause of his death remains unclear, pending a post-mortem examination.

Despite the police account, Gautam’s family firmly believes that his death was the result of police brutality. They allege that Aman was violently beaten by officers, leading to his untimely death. "He was healthy when he left home. The police killed him," a family member stated, further heightening public anger over the incident.

Public Outcry and Political Response

The death has caused a surge of anger and grief within the local community and beyond. BSP leader Mayawati voiced her sorrow over the death, particularly noting that Gautam was a Dalit youth, which has added to the tensions surrounding the case. "The death of a Dalit youth, who was simply out for a walk in Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Park in Lucknow, is deeply disturbing and unacceptable," Mayawati said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). She further urged the Uttar Pradesh government to take swift and decisive action against the officers responsible.

The former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh also emphasized that this incident underscores the need for stricter oversight of police conduct, calling on authorities to ensure justice for Gautam’s family and the public at large.

Awaiting Post-Mortem Results

As public outrage mounts, all eyes are on the forthcoming post-mortem report, which is expected to shed light on the actual cause of Aman Gautam’s death. The police have refuted the allegations of custodial violence, but the family’s accusations have fueled a wave of protests and calls for accountability.

The tragic incident in Lucknow has raised critical questions about police conduct and the treatment of detainees, particularly in cases involving marginalized communities. With political leaders like Mayawati stepping forward to demand justice, the Uttar Pradesh government faces growing pressure to investigate the case thoroughly and take action against any guilty officers.

In the meantime, citizens continue to mourn the loss of a young life and await justice for Aman Gautam.