Udaipur Police Brutality: Youth in Coma After Alleged Custodial Beating, Family Cries for Justice

Udaipur, Rajasthan A shocking case of alleged police brutality has surfaced in Kherwara, Udaipur district, where a 19-year-old youth, Abhishek Meena, is battling for his life in a coma after allegedly being beaten in police custody. The incident has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about custodial practices in the region.

Abhishek’s mother, Leela Devi, a Class IV employee at Udaipur Roadways Depot and a widow since 2008, alleges that the police took her son without informing the family, and only contacted her when his condition turned critical.

Allegations of Misleading by Police

According to Leela Devi, Abhishek was picked up by Kherwara Police on April 17 without any prior notice to the family. Later that night, police reportedly took him to a private hospital in Kherwara, where doctors advised shifting him to Udaipur MB Hospital due to his deteriorating condition.

On April 18, she received a call from the police, initially asking her to come to the Udaipur court as her son was being produced there. Just minutes later, another call directed her to the emergency ward of MB Hospital, where she found her son in a semi-conscious state, with visible injuries and swelling on his body.

Police Claim Arrest in Robbery Conspiracy

Kherwara SHO Dalpat Singh Rathore confirmed that Abhishek had been arrested in connection with an alleged robbery conspiracy, along with other suspects. However, he claimed that Abhishek fell ill due to “brain fever”, not due to custodial torture. Notably, SHO Rathore has previously been under scrutiny in multiple allegations of misconduct.

Mother’s Testimony: “He Was Covered in Bruises”

Leela Devi recounted the horrific condition in which she found her only son—blood from ears, swollen limbs, and marks all over his body. “He’s not even able to speak… they say he’s on drugs, but my son doesn’t take anything. He was raised alone after his father died in 2008. Now he’s fighting for his life, and they’re not letting me meet him,” she said, breaking into tears.

Demands for Investigation and Accountability

The incident has sparked demands for a fair and independent probe, with locals and rights activists calling for suspension of the involved officers and judicial inquiry. As of now, no FIR has been registered against the police personnel, and the family says they are being denied regular access to Abhishek.