Gumla: An undertrial prisoner was found dead in Lohardaga district jail on Wednesday. Alleging foul play, his family members blocked the Ranchi-Kudu-Medininagar highway and demanded compensation and a fair probe.The 27-year-old man was a resident of Lohardaga district and was in judicial custody since May 20 this year in a case of sexual harassment.Jailer Mohammad Sonu said, “He went to sleep in his barrack last night after dinner. When fellow inmates tried to wake him up morning prayers today, he was found unconscious. He was immediately taken to the hospital where doctors declared him dead. Further investigation is underway to ascertain the exact cause of death.”Family members of the deceased suspected he was murdered inside the jail and blocked the Ranchi-Kudu-Medininagar National Highway near Kudu block office and sought compensation. The blockade brought traffic on the highway to a standstill for some time.Lohardaga sub-divisional officer Amit Kumar said, “Post-mortem examination was conducted in the presence of a magistrate, and the body was handed over to the family members. A fair investigation will be conducted into the entire incident.”
