Ranchi, July 19: Bundu subdivisional magistrate (SDM) Akansha Ranjan has begun the process for a magisterial inquiry into the alleged custodial death of 16-year-old Rupesh Swansi.

Today, she issued a public notice, inviting everyone related to the case including the victim's kin and eyewitnesses to depose before her. The statements will be recorded between 11am and 4pm from July 21 to July 27, baring holidays, at the SDM's office in Bundu.

Ranjan said once the statements were recorded, a report would be submitted to Ranchi deputy commissioner Manoj Kumar. Asked about the deadline, the SDM said: "I am not in a position to give any deadline at this moment. However, I promise that the report will be submitted as early as possible."

A magisterial inquiry is done in case of any death in custody or in the course of police action. "The inquiry report should cover the circumstances and sequence of events leading to the death and its cause. It helps identify persons responsible for the death, and acts of commission and omission on part of public servants," said a police officer.

Family members alleged that Rupesh, alias Chotu, was picked up from a shop at Adarshnagar, Bundu, some 30km from the capital, on July 7 by some policemen in plainclothes following orders from then SDPO Pawan Kumar.

Police had claimed that Rupesh was an arms supplier, who provided weapons and ammunition to rebel outfits and criminal gangs. Later, he died in the night allegedly due to torture in police custody.

Taking serious note of the incident, Ranchi SSP Kuldeep Dwivedi suspended Dassam OC Panjak Tiwari and Rahe OC Ashok Kumar on July 8.

Later, the state government ordered a CID probe into the Dalit boy's death and removed SDPO Pawan Kumar.

CID has already started probe into the matter. SP(CID) A.V. Homkar, with his team, reportedly visited Bundu to probe the matter on July 16.