IMPHAL, November 26: Family members of a prisoner lodged at the Sajiwa Jail, who were informed today of his death yesterday, have claimed the death to be custodial in nature.
Family members identified the prisoner as Laishram Nanao alias Shipa, 20, son of L Ingocha Singh of Top Awang Leikai. He was arrested in March this year on charges of stealing and drug abuse, they said.
They continued that the family was informed this evening by the Porompat Police that Nanao had died yesterday at JNIMS and that his post mortem would be conducted tomorrow. They were asked to attend the examination.
The father of the deceased said he had been happy that his son`™s health was improving after staying inside the jail.
He said they used to visit him at the jail every Saturday, but all of a sudden, the police arrived with the message of his death.
The family has been told only today after his death that Nanao was admitted at the JNIMS some three-four days ago, he alleged.
Demanding justice, he said they had visited the police station to file a complaint but have been denied and that the cause of death cannot be confirmed till late this night.