An inmate at Half-Assini police station in the Western Region has been beaten to death after a fight broke out in a prison cell.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Morning Show “Dwaso Nsem” Tuesday, the Western Regional Police Commander, DCOP Kwasi Duku said the deceased, aged 48, who was arrested over an allegation of theft died as a result of a scuffle between some inmates.
He said the deceased, attempted to forcefully remove the water closet (WC) seat in the prison to enable him open the door leading to the cells so that he could go and swim in the sea since he said he was feeling some burning sensation on his body.
DCOP Kwasi Duku said at this point the accused persons in a bid to stop him from destroying the water closet assaulted him.
Hours later he added, the deceased was found lying on the floor motionless and was rushed to the Half-Assini Government Hospital for treatment but was pronounced dead on arrival.
The incident, he said caused chaos in the town forcing some angry youth to storm the police station and vandalized the police station and attacked the policemen on duty.
DCOP Kwasi Duku said about 50 persons have been arrested following the raid at the police station.
Listen to DCOP Kwasi Duku
But reacting to the issue on the same show, Member of Parliament for Jomoro, Paul Aidoo said he suspects foul play.
According to him, the police is being economical with the truth about the circumstances that led to the death of the inmate.
He could not fathom why the police did not intervene if indeed the deceased was beaten by inmates.
Hon. Paul Aidoo noted that, autopsy report from the hospital showed that the deceased was strangled to death.
“The deceased was beaten mercilessly in the cells and died. According to doctor’s report, the man was beaten with some metals and died. What at all did he do to the inmates to attack him that way? I suspect foul play because if indeed he was beaten by inmates, why didn’t the police intervene” he quizzed.
He accused the police of indiscriminately beating residents in the town, thus, throwing the entire locality into frenzy.
The Jomoro MP said even physically challenged locals were not spared by the police who used brute force on anyone they could lay eyes on.
Hon. Aidoo, therefore, called on the commander to as a matter of urgency investigate the matter to the latter.
Listen to the MP
Meanwhile, five prisoners have appeared before the Half-Assini District Magistrate Court following the death of the inmate.
They are Mathias Armakah, 19, Vulcanizer, John Cudjoe 32, Palm Wine Tapper, Kofi Anlimah, 20 Mason, Nicholas Atsu 27 and KojoOfori, 22 both Fishermen.
Their pleas were not taken and they would reappear in court on 27th April 2017.