RAIGARH : Custodial Death Case: Raigarh Police Present CCTV Evidence, Say No Assault on Sanjay Baghel…..

Raigarh, June 16: In connection with the accidental death of undertrial prisoner Sanjay Baghel, who was arrested in an Excise Act case, Raigarh Police on Tuesday presented CCTV footage, medical records, and other digital evidence to clarify the circumstances surrounding the case.

During a press conference, Raigarh SSP Shashi Mohan Singh shared CCTV footage from Kotraroad Police Station, stating that the visuals showed police personnel treating the accused in a normal and humane manner. According to police, Baghel was provided drinking water, food, and allowed to meet his family members while in custody.

Sanjay Baghel (32), a resident of Navapara village under Kotraroad Police Station limits, was arrested on June 10, 2026, after police allegedly recovered 30 litres of illicit mahua liquor from his possession. He was brought to the police station at around 12:43 PM and formally arrested at 2:15 PM after completion of legal procedures.

Police stated that CCTV footage showed Baghel resting outside the lock-up, receiving water on request, and interacting with his relatives, including his brother Ajay Baghel and family member Rakesh Baghel. Later that evening, he was taken for medical examination and court proceedings before being lodged in jail at around 6:30 PM.

The police further claimed that during the medical examination, Baghel did not report any injuries or physical discomfort and was declared fit by doctors. Authorities maintain that there is no evidence of assault or ill-treatment during his custody.

Following allegations by the deceased’s family that police personnel had accepted money in connection with the liquor case, SSP Singh ordered Head Constable Shyamdev Sahu and Constable Shambhu Chauhan to be attached to the police lines pending an inquiry. A detailed investigation into the allegations is being conducted by the Headquarters DSP.

Police also informed that the post-mortem report does not attribute Baghel’s death to the injuries found on his body. The report has recommended histopathological and viscera examinations to determine the exact cause of death.

A judicial inquiry ordered by the JMFC court is currently underway. Raigarh Police said it is fully cooperating with the investigation and that further legal action will be taken based on the inquiry findings.