Teenager perishes following alleged removal from police car, family assert possible custody-related fatality
In a shocking turn of events, a 19-year-old named Ravi Sahni (alias Ravi Kaliya) met his fate after an apparent escape attempt from a moving police vehicle in New Delhi's Vasant Kunj area on April 30, 2025 [2][3]. His accomplice, Vikas, managed to survive the ordeal with minor abrasions.
The incident occurred during the duo's transit to a lock-up following their arrest in an arms and vehicle theft case [2]. Head constable Balbir Singh and constable Nitesh were on routine duty when they noticed the suspects acting suspiciously on a motorcycle around 3 pm [3][2].
According to the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Surendra Choudhary, the duo attempted to flee but were apprehended after a brief chase [3][2]. The arrested individuals were identified as Vikas alias Majnu and Ravi Sahni alias Ravi Kaliya, both residents of Samalka in Delhi.
A country-made pistol and a live cartridge were recovered from Vikas. The stolen motorcycle they were driving was traced back to a case registered at Palam village police station [3].
The duo was transported in a government vehicle to the Vasant Kunj North lock-up. However, due to an abrupt movement near the police station, Ravi allegedly jumped out of the slow-moving van, sustaining fatal injuries [3]. Vikas sustained minor injuries during the escape attempt.
Family members of the victims alleged custodial death, leading to protests and stone-throwing incidents against the police, causing road blocks [2][3]. A judicial inquiry has been initiated to probe the circumstances surrounding the incident [1][3]. This incident comes amidst growing concerns about custodial deaths and delayed action by authorities, as highlighted by recent Supreme Court criticism in a Madhya Pradesh case and NHRC’s recommendations for Rs 10 lakh relief in similar cases [4][5].
[1] India Today, "Delhi: Custodial death alleged after 19-year-old youth dies in police custody in Vasant Kunj", 30 April 2025, https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/delhi-custodial-death-alleged-after-19-year-old-youth-dies-in-police-custody-in-vasant-kunj-1869787-2025-04-30
[2] Hindustan Times, "Delhi: 19-year-old dies after jumping from police vehicle, family alleges custodial death", 30 April 2025, https://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/delhi-19-year-old-dies-after-jumping-from-police-vehicle-family-alleges-custodial-death-101655607433745.html
[3] Times of India, "Delhi 19-year-old's death after jumping from police vehicle: Custodial death alleged", 30 April 2025, https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/19-yr-olds-death-after-jumping-from-police-vehicle-custodial-death-alleged/articleshow/91443653.cms
[4] The Indian Express, "Supreme Court take on Madhya Pradesh custodial deaths: Is deliberate failure to act a 'criminal act'?", 25 April 2025, https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/murder-case-custodial-death-supreme-court-deliberate-failure-to-act-is-it-a-criminal-act-7845364/
[5] News18, "NHRC recommends Rs 10 lakh relief to families of deceased in three custodial deaths", 20 April 2025, https://www.news18.com/news/india/nhrc-recommends-rs-10-lakh-relief-to-families-of-deceased-in-three-custodial-deaths-6132508.html
- The general-news outlets reported the shocking death of a 19-year-old named Ravi Sahni, alias Ravi Kaliya, after alleged custodial torture in Delhi's Vasant Kunj.
- The youth was fleeing from a slow-moving government vehicle following his arrest in a crime-and-justice case, as reported by multiple sources.
- Constable Balbir Singh and head constable Nitesh arrested Ravi Sahni and his accomplice, Vikas, after a brief chase around 3 pm.
- The incident has sparked protests and stone-throwing incidents against the police, leading to road blocks, and a judicial inquiry has been initiated to probe the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate death of Ravi Singh.
