ASI found hanging at Samastipur police station; probe begins

Patna: An assistant sub-inspector (ASI) attached with Dial-112 help line was found hanging inside a room at the Mohiuddin Nagar police station in Samastipur district on Saturday morning. The deceased was identified as 44-year-old Bablu Kumar Prasad.His body was found in a vacant room on the third floor of the police station building by fellow police personnel, who informed senior officers. Police are investigating the circumstances leading to his death and are probing all possible angles, including suicide.Additional SHO Annu Singh said the preliminary investigation indicated that the officer may have been suffering from depression. She said Prasad largely spent most of his time alone after duty hours and had limited interaction with colleagues.Prasad, a native of Bagaha in West Champaran district, had been posted with Dial-112 at Mohiuddin Nagar for around two-and-a-half years. He was recently transferred to the Dial-112 unit in Kalyanpur but had not yet joined his new posting. Police are also examining whether the transfer caused him any distress, while investigators are looking into his personal and family circumstances.Following the incident, Patori SDPO Virendra Kumar Medhavi, circle inspector Pawan Kumar and other senior police officials reached the spot. The body was sent to Sadar hospital for post-mortem, and an investigation was launched.Samastipur SP Arvind Pratap Singh said, “A forensic team has examined the spot and statements of police personnel present at the station are being recorded.”DIG Manoj Kumar Tiwari also visited the police station. At the time of the incident, the station was being managed by the additional SHO as the SHO was on leave.The SP said Prasad had returned from his native place in Bagaha a few days ago. He added that he had spoken to the officer’s son, while the family had not yet provided any indication of potential personal issues. Family members have been informed and were on their way to Samastipur.Police said the exact cause of death would be determined after the completion of the investigation and forensic examination.