Ghaziabad: Man Dies Outside Police Booth, Negligence Alleged

A tragic incident unfolded in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, on July 12, when 22-year-old Rajkumar, originally from Siwan district in Bihar, succumbed to severe blood loss outside a 'Pink Police Booth'. The event has sparked widespread outrage and prompted an official inquiry into allegations of police negligence and a significant delay in providing timely medical assistance. According to accounts from Rajkumar's family and eyewitnesses, the incident began following an argument between Rajkumar and an auto-rickshaw driver over fare. As the altercation escalated, Rajkumar reportedly sought refuge and assistance at a nearby Pink Police Booth, designed for women and children's safety. His family claims the booth was closed, and he repeatedly knocked on its glass gate to attract the attention of the police personnel inside. In this desperate attempt, the glass shattered, resulting in severe injuries to his hands, with reports indicating his wrist veins were cut, leading to heavy bleeding. The family further alleges that Rajkumar lay bleeding on the roadside for an extended period, reportedly between 'nearly 40 minutes' and 'an hour', without receiving any immediate medical attention. Eyewitnesses also claim that women police personnel inside the booth did not open the door despite Rajkumar's pleas for help. This alleged inaction by the police, coupled with the delay in medical aid, is central to the family's accusations of negligence, which they believe directly contributed to his death. Several videos purportedly showing Rajkumar bleeding profusely outside the booth, with bystanders and even police personnel watching, have gone viral on social media, intensifying public demand for accountability. In contrast, the Ghaziabad Police have presented a different version of events. Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police (Kavinagar) Upasana Pandey stated that both Rajkumar and the auto driver involved in the dispute were allegedly under the influence of alcohol. According to the police, the argument escalated into a financial disagreement, leading them to the Pink Booth. Police assert that Rajkumar, in an intoxicated state, forcefully struck the booth's glass gate, causing it to shatter and injure him. The police claim that he was 'immediately' taken to a hospital for treatment, where he unfortunately succumbed to his injuries during care. In response to the gravity of the incident and the conflicting narratives, Ghaziabad Police have launched a formal inquiry. DCP City Dhawal Jaiswal confirmed that a special team has been constituted to meticulously examine the sequence of events, including the police response time, the duration it took to provide medical assistance, and to verify the authenticity and context of the viral videos circulating on social media. An FIR has also been registered against an unidentified auto driver and other unidentified persons under BNS sections 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt) and 106(1) (causing death by negligence) at the Madhuban Bapudham police station. The incident has brought to light severe questions regarding emergency response protocols and the accountability of public safety services in India. Rajkumar's personal circumstances add a poignant layer to the tragedy; he was married just last year, and his wife is eight months pregnant. His family also faces hardship, with his father being bedridden and his older brother differently-abled. This case underscores the critical need for transparent investigations and measures to ensure that citizens receive prompt assistance from law enforcement agencies, especially in emergency situations, reinforcing the importance of public trust in the police force.

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