BSF constable dies in NCB custody, family suspects foul play
Jammu: In yet another incident highlighting lack of professionalism and serious lapses in custodial procedures, a Border Security Force (BSF), Jaswinder Singh, died under suspicious circumstances while in the custody of India’s Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in Amritsar. Singh, who was on leave, was arrested from Jammu on March 3 in a drug-related case and brought to Amritsar for questioning. His family alleges he was beaten to death, citing physical assault and mental harassment during custody.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the Punjab Human Rights Organisation (PHRO) has demanded a high-level judicial inquiry into the death, terming it a “serious case of custodial torture”. The organisation has also sought videography of the post-mortem examination and adequate compensation for the victim’s family.
Constable Jashvinder Singh of the 42nd Battalion of the Border Security Force died during custody after reportedly falling ill while being taken to Tarn Taran on March 19. Officials said he was shifted to a hospital in Amritsar, where he was declared dead on March 20 during treatment.
Reports further said that the constable had been in police remand for nearly 20 days, with the NCB repeatedly seeking his custody through court orders.
However, family members of the deceased have raised serious concerns over the circumstances surrounding his death, alleging that there were visible injury marks on his body, which they say point towards possible foul play.
Observers and analysts said the incident raises critical questions about custodial safety, accountability and adherence to professional standards by Indian law enforcement agencies.
They maintained that such incidents reflect a pattern of negligence and lack of transparency, where even personnel belonging to state forces are not safe in custody, further exposing systemic flaws.
Experts have called for an impartial and transparent investigation into the incident to ascertain the facts and ensure accountability.
They said the custodial death once again underlines the urgent need for reforms and strict oversight to prevent such tragedies, terming it yet another example of lack of professionalism in handling detainees.
