BJP functionary's son dies by suicide 'after police slap'; 2 cops shunted amid outcry

Nainital: A day after BJP district functionary Bishan Nagarkoti's 31-year-old son Kamal died by suicide in Kotabagh following an alleged altercation with a policeman, the outpost in-charge and a constable were shunted to police lines, and all staff at the chowki were transferred. The action came on Saturday amid growing outrage and protests accusing the police of abetment.

Kamal Nagarkoti used to work with his father in his business. His family alleged that he consumed poison in the Kotabagh market on Friday evening, hours after "being slapped and humiliated by a constable during a routine vehicle check." "Kamal was slapped without provocation and foul language was used against him. This left him shaken. He called his mother right after, telling her everything," said a relative.

SP (city) Prakash Chandra said, "A departmental probe has been ordered under Ramnagar CO. A criminal case will be registered if any officer, including Kotabagh outpost in-charge Praveen Singh Tewatia and constable Paramjeet, is found guilty. Authorities have also recommended ₹5 lakh as compensation to the bereaved family."

The incident triggered massive outrage on Saturday, with locals staging a protest outside Kaladhungi police station. Protesters demanded the dismissal of the accused officers and registration of a case for abetment to suicide.

Kamal's father, while alleging foul play, raised questions about missing surveillance footage. "We asked for the CCTV footage, but the cameras had been removed from their original positions. This cannot be a coincidence. We suspect this was done to hide evidence. Strict action must be taken. A case should be registered for abetment," Bishan Nagarkoti said.

Locals backed the family's claims, saying the officers had a history of harassment. "The in-charge and constable have been troubling people for a long time. But yesterday, they crossed all limits. We have submitted a memorandum to senior officers," said Kuldeep Tadiyal, a local.

Kaladhungi police, however, denied any misconduct. Officials said that there was no physical altercation and that standard protocol was followed during the check.