Udaipur: In a fresh twist to the alleged custodial death case of Bhilwara jeweller Khubchand Soni (50) in Rajsamand district, suspended head constable Puran Singh died late Monday night of a heart attack before his family could rush him to the hospital. His death has triggered fresh protests, with family members and community leaders demanding Rs 5 crore compensation, govt jobs for his two sons, and reinstatement of the suspended police team.Following heated demonstrations at the hospital mortuary, senior officers including ASP Mahendra Parik and DSP Vivek Singh held talks with the family. Later, discussions continued with Rajsamand collector Arun Kumar Hasija and SP Mamta Gupta. Officials assured the family that the compensation applicable under govt rules would be provided, while police and revenue department staff pledged a day’s salary to support the family. Puran Singh was among four policemen — including head constables Shakti Singh, Jagdish, and constable Durgesh — suspended over their alleged role in Soni’s death during questioning on Aug 10. According to police, Soni, who ran a jewellery shop in Gadarmala, Bhilwara, was summoned to Kankroli police station after a theft suspect claimed to have sold stolen goods to him. He reportedly fell ill at the station and died the same evening. The jeweller’s family alleged custodial assault, sparking protests by local traders at RK Hospital. They had initially demanded Rs 10 crore compensation, a govt job for Soni’s son, and strict action against the police team. After negotiations with officials, an agreement was reached for Rs 8 lakh compensation and a contractual job for the son, following which a post-mortem was conducted Monday. Puran Singh’s sudden death has further escalated tensions in the district, with community leaders pressing for higher compensation and official reinstatement of the suspended policemen. The situation remains tense as talks between the administration and community representatives continue.
