Tribal man dies in forest department custody:Family alleges he was beaten and bribery was used to hide the truth behind his death

A 65-year-old tribal man died in Katni after his health got worse while being questioned by the Forest Department over wildlife poaching. The man, Phoolchand Kol from Semra village in the Simaria Forest Range, was called to the Range office on Wednesday for questioning. Family members and witnesses said his condition became critical during the questioning. He was then taken to the district hospital by Forest Department staff. After his death, Phoolchand’s son accused the staff of offering money to hide the matter. Blood Pressure Rose Above 200
Doctors at the district hospital stated that when the elder was brought to the hospital, his blood pressure was over 200, which was at a life-threatening level. Doctors immediately started primary treatment, but despite all efforts, Phoolchand Kol passed away a few hours later. See Photos Range officer said – he was already ill
Range Officer Kartikeya Bhatt stated in the matter that Phoolchand was called for questioning on suspicion of hunting. During this, his health deteriorated, after which he was immediately sent to the district hospital. Bhatt said that he received information that the elderly man was already suffering from a serious illness. Family Accuses Forest Department of Torture
The deceased’s nephew, Rahwasi Kol, stated that the Forest Department team took his elder father from the field without any prior notice. It is alleged that he was tortured to implicate him in a false case. He was beaten. Due to this, his condition worsened, and then he was taken to the hospital. The family claims that he died due to internal injuries sustained during the beating. The aggrieved family has demanded a high-level impartial investigation into the matter and punishment for the culprits. Were offering money to settle the matter
The deceased’s son, Kodu Lal Kol, stated that last night, forest department employees were offering us money to settle the matter, but we refused. We want justice.