SDF Seeks Fair Probe and SHO Accountability in Singtam Custodial Death Case

Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) has demanded a fair and independent investigation into the custodial death of 55-year-old Purney Darjee at Singtam Police Station. The party’s spokesperson, Yojana Khaling Rai, said the incident is a serious public matter and should not be treated as routine.

Rai said that she has questions about how the reported death happened inside a police station where officers are present. She also questioned the sequence of events, arguing that such cases need careful examination rather than a quick conclusion.

Calls to examine custody procedures

Speaking to the media, Rai pointed to the fact that a person taken into custody is typically searched to ensure they do not carry anything that could harm them. She said this makes the incident in custody worthy of scrutiny, including why the circumstances could lead to a death while the lock-up area was under police oversight.

Rai also raised concern about who will investigate the incident. She said it should not be left to the same facility where the incident occurred, because public trust depends on an investigation that is open and fair.

Suspensions and judicial inquiry

According to the report, the custodial death case is under judicial inquiry ordered by the Chief Judicial Magistrate in Gangtok. Meanwhile, three police personnel on lock-up duty have been suspended as the investigation is ongoing.

Rai said the suspension of individual officers should not be the end of the accountability process. She demanded that command responsibility be examined and that the Station House Officer (SHO) of Singtam Police Station also be held accountable if negligence is found.

The SDF spokesperson appealed to the public to avoid treating the case as an isolated incident. She urged the State Government to ensure a transparent investigation so responsibility can be determined as per law.