Swetang's custodial death: 2 cops suspended for lapses in duty

Two policemen were today suspended for dereliction of duty in connection with the custodial death of Patidar activist Swetang Patel, who had been picked up by police during the violence after a mega rally here in August.
City Police Commissioner Shivanand Jha suspended Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) Dashrathsinh Vihola and constable Himmatsinh Vaghela, both posted at Bapunagar police station here, on charges of failing to provide timely medical treatment to Swetang Patel, who was injured in the violence.
Thirty-two-year-old Swetang, who was caught by police during the violence that erupted during the Patel quota agitation, allegedly died in the custody of Bapunagar police on August 26. Both the policemen were present on August 25 night when Swetang was brought to Bapunagar police station, said police.

"We have suspended ASI Vihola and constable Vaghela for not carrying out their duties properly. Vihola was assigned the work of PSO (Police Station Officer) on that day, while Vaghela was stationed there to help him," Bapunagar police inspector R K Ladva said.
According to the police officer, when Swetang was brought to the police station, he had complained that he needed medical help as he had sustained injuries during the protest.
"Investigation revealed that both of them did not take injured Swetang to hospital that night. As a result, Swetang died at police station. He could have been saved if he was rushed to hospital by the duo, which they did not," he added.

Gujarat Health Minister and government spokesperson Nitin Patel also confirmed the development.

"We will take action against all those, who will be found guilty of dereliction of duty. Today, in the matter of Swetang's death, police department has suspended two policemen, as we found them guilty in our preliminary probe," Patel said.
Later, Swetang's mother Prabhaben knocked the doors of Gujarat High Court and alleged in her plea that he was forcibly taken away by police, when violence suddenly erupted after the detention of quota leader Hardik Patel.
The Gujarat High Court then ordered a CID-Crime to investigate the matter.