A 20-year-old man allegedly died by suicide after hanging himself from the Retpur-Bhitara bridge near Satpuli in Uttarakhand's Pauri Garhwal district on Saturday, 3 May 2025, officials confirmed. Before his death, the deceased reportedly released a video on social media levelling serious allegations against the Satpuli Police Station and its Station House Officer (SHO).

How the Incident Came to Light

Satpuli police received information on Saturday morning about a man found hanging from a bridge after a call was made to the 112 helpline. A police team was immediately dispatched to the spot and initiated proceedings. The deceased has been identified as Pankaj Kumar, aged 20, a resident of Retpur village and son of the late Prakash Chandra.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Pauri Garhwal, Sarvesh Panwar, confirmed the details, stating: "A call was received via the 112 helpline on Saturday morning stating that a young man was found hanging from a bridge. The youth has been identified as Pankaj Kumar, son of the late Prakash Chandra, a resident of Retpur village, aged 20. The police have reached the scene and are conducting an investigation."

What the Viral Video Alleges

A video purportedly recorded by Pankaj Kumar before his death is circulating widely in the region. In the clip, he is seen making serious allegations against the Satpuli Police Station and accusing personnel of assault. The video was released on social media before his death and has drawn significant public attention across the area.

The allegations remain unverified. An investigation has been ordered to establish the facts. SSP Panwar confirmed the case has been assigned to the Additional SP Kotdwar, adding: "Whoever is found responsible will face the strictest action. We will take all necessary legal actions."

Sequence of Events Before the Death

According to police, the chain of events began on Friday when Pankaj's motorcycle collided with a man in Satpuli. The matter was subsequently reported to the police station. Officials stated that Pankaj was allegedly under the influence of alcohol at the time, following which his motorcycle was seized and a challan was issued under the Motor Vehicles Act. Police also stated that he sustained injuries after falling from his motorcycle.

It was in the aftermath of this encounter that Pankaj allegedly recorded and released the video before taking the extreme step. The precise nature of his allegations against police personnel and the full circumstances between the traffic incident and his death remain under active investigation.

Family's Response and Post-Mortem Proceedings

Family members of the deceased are reported to be inconsolable and in deep shock. Police have taken custody of the body and are in the process of sending it for post-mortem examination. However, the family has expressed reluctance to proceed with the post-mortem and has stated that they do not wish to level allegations against anyone.

SSP Panwar said authorities are attempting to persuade the family to consent to the procedure, stating: "We are currently attempting to persuade the family members to consent to the post-mortem procedure."

Investigation Underway

The case has been handed to Additional SP Kotdwar for a thorough probe. Authorities have assured that all those found responsible will face the strictest legal action. This incident has sparked concern in the region over the alleged conduct of local police, and the outcome of the investigation is being closely watched. Further details are awaited as the probe progresses.