Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: The death of Debanand Sana (34), a migrant labourer from West Bengal, while undergoing treatment at Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC), Bambolim, has sparked widespread anger in his native Taki municipality in North 24 Parganas district, with family members and residents demanding a fair and independent probe.
Sana, who was employed as a mason in Vasco, died on December 30, days after he was taken into police custody following an alleged assault by local residents. His relatives have accused the Vasco police of failing in their custodial duty of care and have alleged that negligence led to his death.
According to available information, Sana was apprehended by a group of locals at Bhute Bhat on December 25 on suspicion of theft. A video that later circulated widely on social media shows him being assaulted and tied to a pole before he was handed over to the police.
Subsequently, Sana was admitted to the Institute of Psychiatry and Human Behaviour (IPHB), Bambolim, and was later shifted to GMC for further treatment. He died while still under police custody.
The incident has provoked strong reactions in West Bengal, where the family has alleged foul play. Speaking at a protest held in Taki, relatives questioned the circumstances of his death, stating that he was alive when taken by the police and demanding accountability from those responsible.
Local community representatives and activists have also joined the call for justice, urging authorities to thoroughly examine the conduct of both the mob involved and the police personnel entrusted with his custody.
Within Goa, the case has once again drawn attention to the vulnerability of migrant workers, particularly concerns surrounding mob violence and custodial safety. A senior social activist who has worked with migrant communities in the State for several decades said the episode underlined the pressing need to prevent vigilante violence and ensure safeguards for individuals in police custody.
Responding to queries, police officials maintained that the death is being classified as “technical custodial death”, stating that Sana had already sustained injuries before being handed over to law enforcement. A police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Sana was provided medical treatment after being taken into custody.
Meanwhile, the West Bengal government has reportedly sought a detailed report from the Goa administration regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident.
