"Jungle raj": Priyanka Gandhi slams BJP after man detained in Lucknow allegedly died in police custody

New Delhi [India], October 27 : Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Uttar Pradesh government on Sunday, following the alleged custodial death of a man detained in Lucknow.
She claimed the ruling party has established such a "jungle raj" in the state that police have become synonymous with cruelty.
In a post on X, Priyanka Gandhi stated that the family of the deceased has accused the police of murdering their son.
"In Lucknow, UP, the police detained two young men, one of whom died the next morning. This marks the second custodial death in UP within a fortnight. The family alleges that the police killed their son," she posted in Hindi.
She further asserted that Uttar Pradesh ranks first nationwide in custodial deaths.
"UP ranks first in the country for custodial deaths. The BJP has established a jungle raj where the police are synonymous with brutality. When law enforcers themselves take lives, from whom can the public expect justice?" she added.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also criticised the BJP government, suggesting that 'police custody' should be renamed as 'torture house'.
"This is the second instance of custodial death in the UP capital in the last 16 days. The government, known for changing names, should now rename 'police custody' as 'torture house'. Every demand of the victim's family must be met; we stand with them," Yadav stated.
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati also condemned the incident, urging the government to take effective steps to ensure justice for the victim's family.
"The family and public are naturally outraged over the alleged custodial death of businessman Mohit Pandey in Lucknow. This incident is deeply condemnable, and the government must take meaningful steps to provide justice to his family," Mayawati posted on X.
She also highlighted the increasing incidents of violence against women in the state, emphasising the need for strict legal action against such offenders.
Meanwhile, UP Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak announced that a murder case has been filed against the accused police officers in the Chinhat custodial death case. He assured that strict action would be taken against those involved.
"This is an unfortunate incident. The government is taking it very seriously. A high-level investigation is underway, and a murder case has been registered against the accused officers. The government stands with the victim's family, and we will deliver justice," Pathak said.