Lucknow — Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath met with the grieving family of Mohit Pandey, a 30-year-old trader who died while in police custody under controversial circumstances. The meeting took place on Monday at the chief minister's official residence, where Adityanath extended his condolences and announced a compensation package of Rs 10 lakh for the bereaved family. Pandey’s tragic death on Saturday has raised serious questions about police conduct, as family members allege he was beaten by police personnel. Adityanath assured the family that the government would cover the education expenses of Pandey's children and assist them in accessing various welfare schemes.
During the meeting, Pandey's mother, Tapeshwari Devi, along with his wife and children, expressed a sense of relief after receiving assurances from the chief minister. "We are satisfied after meeting the chief minister. He assured us that he is fully aware of the case and that there will be no leniency. Once the investigation is complete, strict action will be taken against those found guilty," she stated. The incident has sparked a political uproar, prompting criticism from opposition parties including the Samajwadi Party, Congress, and Bahujan Samaj Party.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav called for a change in terminology from “police custody” to “torture house,” while Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra accused the BJP government of fostering an environment of brutality within police ranks. BSP chief Mayawati also condemned the incident, urging the government to take effective measures to ensure justice for the victim's family. According to police reports, Pandey was taken to a community health center after he fell ill at the police station, where he subsequently died.
However, his brother, Shobharam, claims he witnessed the police brutally assaulting Pandey before he was sent to the hospital, alleging that officers only acted when it was too late. A CCTV clip has surfaced online, allegedly showing Pandey lying motionless in the lockup, further fueling suspicions about the circumstances surrounding his death. In response to public outcry, authorities have filed a First Information Report (FIR) against the officers involved, with charges including murder and criminal conspiracy. The police station in charge has also been suspended pending investigation. This incident marks the second case of alleged police custody death in Lucknow this month, following the death of a Dalit youth, Aman Gautam, on October 11, which had similarly sparked widespread protests and political backlash. As the investigation unfolds, the community remains vigilant, demanding accountability and justice for Mohit Pandey and his family.