MURDER OR ACCIDENT? Death of Tushnabad Youth triggers protest

Sarthak Kanjilal
Port Blair, January 18: Death of a Tushnabad Youth, namely Sandeep Xalxo, triggered minor protest this morning. Several villagers of Tushnabad gathered near the mortuary of Govind Ballabh Pant Hospital this morning and demanded thorough investigation in this entire issue.
According to reports, the deceased was injured in an accident on 9th January at 06:30pm at Ferrargunj after which he was admitted in the Ferrargunj Hospital. Due to very severe injuries the deceased was later referred to the G B Pant hospital, Port Blair. But unfortunately he died yesterday night.
As per the villagers, the Police claims that it was an road accident but many villagers told Andaman Sheekha that the injuries on the head and marks on the entire body of the victim indicate that he was attacked.
The villagers also alleged that the bike, the deceased was riding, was recovered by the Police after two long days of the accident. The villagers also alleged that the bike, the deceased was riding, belongs to a Policeman. This the family members thinks is the main reason behind delay in investigation.
Some villagers told Andaman Sheekha that on 9th January the boy went to a marriage ceremony and later was seen in a BAR at Aniket area and later was admitted in the Ferrargunj Hospital.
Many villagers alleged that even after asking the Police about the status of the case the Police is not replying to their questions.
“Police hasn’t seen the CCTV footage of the BAR till now,” Villagers added.
Talking to Andaman Sheekha, Ex Upadhyaksh, South Andaman, Zilla Parishad, Mr Anand Raj said that he himself don’t agree that it was an accident.
“Yes, we are not sure about it but the injury the boy sustained indicates that it was not a road accident. We are not expert and hence we demand thorough investigation in this regard and setting up of a medical board for this case,” he added.
Late Sandeep Xalxo’s father is paralysed since last two years and he is the sole bread winner for his family.
Later it has been learnt that the demands of the protesting people have been accepted by the Administration and following this a board of doctors conducted the PME.
“PME report is awaited. Police is investigating into this matter,” sources in Police department told Andaman Sheekha.