Tribal Man Dies in NCB Custody in MP; Alleged Assault Sparks Outrage

Rapid Summary

• Death in Custody: A 35-year-old man, Mahipal Singh Rajput, detained for alleged possession of drugs (411 grams of MD), passed away in Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) custody in Mandsaur district, Madhya Pradesh.
• Incident Details: Rajput fell ill upon arrival at Mandsaur on July 24 and was rushed to a private hospital where he passed away. According to initial reports, doctors suspect infection in his stomach and lungs led to vomiting and accidental choking.
• Judicial Probe: A judicial inquiry has been initiated into the death. Post-mortem examination will be conducted by a panel of doctors.
• Previous Conviction: Rajput had served a 12-year sentence for drug possession following his arrest in 2009 with 300 grams of smack.
• Family Concerns: The family questioned why a private hospital was chosen over a government facility; NCB clarified that the private option offered ventilator support nearby.

• Police Station Assault Allegation:

– In Betul districtS Bhainsdehi police station, tribal man Sandeep Chilhate was allegedly beaten by locals and police after being detained over an argument.
– His brother alleged ₹30,000 payment was extorted before his release while Sandeep left partially unconscious.
– Betul SP Nishchal Jhharia ordered an inquiry into these allegations and promised legal action if evidence supports claims.

• Related Development:

– Earlier this month, three police officers in Chhatarpur were suspended after complaints about torture of four tribal youths suspected of theft.

Indian Opinion Analysis

These incidents raise critical issues about custodial treatment and accountability within the law enforcement framework in India. The death of Mahipal Singh Rajput under NCB custody highlights concerns about access to timely medical care during detention procedures as well as thorough evaluation protocols when individuals appear unwell. While a judicial probe could ensure transparency regarding his case’s specifics-especially given prior convictions-it underscores broader systemic gaps surrounding detainee welfare.

Similarly, allegations against Bhainsdehi police signal recurring concerns regarding the treatment of minority groups like tribals during encounters with authorities-a worrying pattern also seen earlier this month in Chhatarpur district assaults on tribals by police personnel.

Taken together,these events underline the importance not only for robust procedural safeguards but also continued institutional reform aimed at minimizing human rights violations within law enforcement agencies across states like Madhya pradesh-and more broadly India-as demanded increasingly by public concious today.

Link for read more: Published July 26, 2025