Death in police custody puts BJP MLA under scrutiny:Questions over who ordered detention, daughter alleges father was killed at MLA’s behest

‘I knew my father better than myself. He could never commit suicide. BJP MLA Lalita Yadav had murdered him. My father was beaten at the MLA’s house. There were injury marks on his body.’ These are the words of 13-year-old Pranshi from Sarani village in Chhatarpur. Her father, Surendra Singh Tomar, left home on 4 April but was later found in a critical condition in hospital the same evening. He died while being referred to Gwalior. The police claim Surendra died by consuming poison, suggesting suicide. However, the family has strongly rejected this version and has directly accused BJP MLA Lalita Yadav and her son, Monu Yadav. Dainik Bhaskar spoke to the family, police and other concerned parties to understand the case. Here is the ground report. Events on the day of death According to the police, Surendra left home on the morning of 4 April and visited Kotwali police station twice during the day. He was reportedly called for a ‘goon parade’. Around 1 pm, he reached the station, marked his presence and was asked to return in the evening. After this, he went to the MLA’s residence, where it is alleged he used abusive language. At around 3 pm, Station House Officer (TI) Arvind Dangi brought him to the police station in his vehicle. However, Surendra remained there only for a few minutes before leaving. Shortly afterwards, he was found in a disoriented condition a short distance away. Police took him to the district hospital. His family was informed in the evening. He died while being transferred to Gwalior. Family’s allegation: Assault followed by poisoning At Surendra’s home in Sarani village, anger among family members and villagers is evident. His mother, Bhankunwar, said while crying, ‘My son was murdered.’ His wife, Jyoti, stated that Surendra had left home at 11 am. ‘At around 4 pm, the police came to take us. When we reached the hospital, he was unconscious.’ She added that the police claimed he had consumed poison. The family also alleged that on 26 January, Monu Yadav had threatened Surendra over the phone, saying, ‘We will beat you badly.’ They further questioned how Surendra could have been labelled a ‘goon’ when he had served as the personal driver of the Station House Officer for five years. Allegations involving MLA’s family The investigation revealed that Surendra was involved in a land dispute in the village. He had acquired land through a gift deed, which later became contested. The family claims the matter reached Monu Yadav through the village sarpanch. They allege that Monu did not support Surendra, which left him upset. According to the family, Surendra went to the MLA’s residence that day and used abusive language. However, Monu Yadav has denied all allegations, stating that he does not know Surendra. Key developments Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Aditya Patle is leading the investigation. He stated that every link in Surendra’s movements is being examined. DVRs have been seized to analyse CCTV footage from both the police station and the MLA’s residence. The post-mortem report has confirmed death due to poisoning, though it has sought clarification on certain aspects. Statements are being recorded from individuals who met Surendra on the day. Police personnel who found him in a disoriented state will also be questioned. Station House Officer Arvind Dangi has been line-attached. Statements from the MLA’s son will also be taken. Officials say only a thorough investigation will determine whether this was a case of suicide or a death linked to police custody. Dainik Bhaskar also attempted to contact TI Arvind Dangi for his version. However, he declined to comment for now, citing his workload.