A severe crisis unfolded late Tuesday night inside the Naubasta police station in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, when a young man summoned for questioning in a case of female harassment ingested toilet cleaner inside the station's restroom. The unexpected incident, occurring right under police custody and security protocols, threw the police officers present into total disarray. Police personnel immediately rushed the individual to the hospital, where he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in extremely critical condition. Taking strong exception to the glaring lapse in custody monitoring and security, senior police officials instituted immediate disciplinary action, placing the duty Sub-Inspector and a Head Constable under suspension.
Harassment Complaint and Issuance of Police Summons
The sequence of events originated from a formal complaint regarding the persistent harassment of a local woman via telephone calls in the Naubasta police station limits. According to details shared by Naubasta Police Station In-charge Bahadur Singh, the father-in-law of a woman residing in Naubasta submitted a written complaint against Ashish Dwivedi, a resident of Maholi village located in the Sarsaul area. The complainant alleged that Ashish routinely harassed the woman by placing phone calls from multiple different mobile phone numbers.
The victimized family further alleged that when the woman and her relatives confronted Ashish and sternly demanded that he cease making these unwanted phone calls, he reacted with aggression instead of backing down. Ashish allegedly issued explicit death threats to the family members. Treating the matter with seriousness, the Naubasta police initiated a preliminary inquiry into the allegation and issued a formal summons directing Ashish Dwivedi to report to the police station for questioning.
Arrival of Intoxicated Suspect at the Police Station
According to police officials, Ashish was explicitly instructed to present himself at the police station during the daytime hours on Tuesday to offer his statement. However, he evaded the instruction and failed to appear during the day. Later that night, at approximately 11:30 PM on Tuesday, Ashish unexpectedly arrived at the Naubasta police station accompanied by a male friend.
Upon entering the police station, it became immediately evident that both Ashish and his companion were heavily intoxicated. Ashish almost instantly engaged in heated arguments with the police officers on duty and began misbehaving with them. Recognizing his heavily inebriated state, the officers attempted to reason with him and advised him to return home and return the next morning when sober. However, Ashish stubbornly insisted that his interrogation be conducted immediately and continued to create a disruption inside the premises. To maintain order and prevent further trouble, police personnel detained both men inside the police station compound.
High-Voltage Drama and Self-Harm Attempt Inside Custody
Even after being made to sit inside the police station, Ashish's agitated behavior persisted unchecked. Within a short span, he allegedly began slamming his head repeatedly against the wall and the floor of the police station, catching the officers off guard. Police personnel intervened promptly to physically restrain him and prevent him from causing self-inflicted injuries. Given his volatile state and intoxication, the duty officers decided to send both individuals for an immediate official medical examination.
While police personnel were completing the necessary paperwork and making arrangements to transport both men for the medical checkup, Ashish requested permission to use the toilet. A constable posted at the station accompanied him to escort him safely to the police station's bathroom.
Chemical Consumption Inside the Restroom
Allegedly, upon entering the restroom, Ashish spotted a bottle of toilet cleaner stored inside. Without hesitation, he picked up the chemical bottle and ingested its contents. Official police statements noted that the accompanying constable made an immediate effort to snatch the bottle away from him, but Ashish had already swallowed a portion of the toxic liquid. Almost instantly, the chemical reaction caused severe physical distress, and Ashish began writhing in pain.
The sudden turn of events triggered panic and chaos among the police personnel on duty. Acting swiftly, officers loaded Ashish into a police vehicle and transported him without delay to the nearby Kanshiram Hospital.
Transfer to Hallet Hospital and Intensive Care Unit Monitoring
Medical staff at the emergency department of Kanshiram Hospital provided preliminary treatment. However, assessing the chemical ingestion and his rapidly deteriorating vital parameters, doctors advised an immediate transfer to a specialized tertiary care facility. Police officers then rushed him to Hallet Hospital in Kanpur. Given his critical state, doctors at Hallet Hospital immediately transferred him to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Currently, Ashish is undergoing intensive medical care in the ICU of Hallet Hospital under the supervision of a team of specialist doctors. Medical personnel are continuously monitoring his condition, which remains extremely delicate.
Suspension of Two Cops Over Security Lapses and Departmental Probe
The incident of a suspect consuming hazardous chemical inside a police station restroom has raised serious questions regarding station security protocols and custody monitoring. Senior police leadership took prompt note of the negligence. DCP South Deependra Nath Chaudhary initiated strict administrative measures after finding evidence of laxity in station security and suspect surveillance.
DCP South issued suspension orders for Night Officer Sub-Inspector Vikas Gaur and Head Constable Arvind with immediate effect. Simultaneously, a departmental inquiry has been instituted to investigate why an intoxicated suspect was not kept under adequate surveillance and why standard safety measures were omitted while escorting him to the bathroom. Police authorities affirmed that the investigation into the original harassment complaint against Ashish remains active, and further legal procedures will proceed once his medical condition stabilizes.
