Dungarpur- In a shocking case of custodial death from Rajasthan's Dungarpur district, a 22-year-old youth arrested on suspicion of theft died in police custody, leading to widespread protests and an unprecedented payout by law enforcement. Dilip Ahari was taken into custody by Dovda police station on the night of September 26 after allegations of theft surfaced. His health deteriorated rapidly, resulting in his death.

Family members and villagers accused the police of assault and custodial torture, prompting a five-day siege of the district collectorate by the grieving relatives and locals. The aggrieved party demanded one crore rupees compensation, government job for a kin and termination of the accused cops.

The escalating tensions forced authorities to suspend five policemen, including the station house officer (SHO) of Dovda. To defuse the situation, police intermediaries quietly handed over Rs 27.50 lakh in cash to the family, a move described as "mautana" or immediate death compensation. This is believed to be the first instance where police themselves pooled such a substantial amount without direct government intervention, raising serious questions about accountability and internal funding mechanisms.

'Mautana': A Deal Struck Over Death

In cases of accidents or suspicious deaths, the government typically provides immediate relief under ex-gratia schemes, often ranging from Rs 5-10 lakh. However, this payout, sourced entirely by police and administrative channels, marks a rare deviation. Sources indicate that the arrangement was known to high-level officials, including the district collector, superintendent of police (SP), MLA, MP, and even a state minister.

Dovda police station, located in the tribal-dominated hills of Dungarpur, has become the focal point of this controversy. The incident highlights deep mistrust between communities and law enforcement in the region.

District authorities defended the resolution, emphasizing that all promises made to the family were fulfilled. Dilip's father, Jeveraj Ahari, recounted the discreet handover : "The police gave us Rs 27.50 lakh in cash. It was sent through some villagers who were part of the negotiation talks. No government official ever came to our home. Not a single rupee was deposited from the government's side."

The family has not filed a formal complaint beyond the initial allegations, but the quiet settlement has left lingering doubts about justice.

Dungarpur SP Manish Kumar told Rajasthan Patrika that "whatever was agreed upon has been provided to them," cleverly evading any mention of the hefty amount actually given. When asked about the source of the compensation money, the SP said, "It's done. Some from the government's side, some from the administration's side."

Collector Ankit Kumar Singh echoed similar sentiments, stating, "Police and others collected the money and handed it over. There is provision for assistance under the victim compensation scheme, but the government hasn't released anything yet."

Tribal Area Development Minister Babulal Kharadi was more direct: "The police arranged the funds themselves. No compensation has come from the government treasury." As investigations into the custodial death continue, this case underscores the urgent need for reforms in handling such sensitive matters, ensuring transparency and preventing extrajudicial resolutions.