Family of gangster Sagar blocks highway in Ludhiana over alleged custodial death

Chandigarh: Family members and supporters of gangster Sagar Newton, who was lodged in Sangrur jail, blocked the highway in Ludhiana on Wednesday, alleging that he had died under mysterious circumstances. Sagar passed away at PGI Chandigarh on Tuesday.

The protestors placed his body on Ferozepur Road and refused to cremate it until the government took action against jail authorities. The demonstration led to heavy traffic congestion in the area.

Sagar’s family claimed he was in good health when he appeared in a Ludhiana court in January. They dismissed police claims that he suffered a severe diabetic attack and kidney failure as a “blatant lie.”

Newton, who was named in 18 cases, including murder, dacoity, theft, and drug trafficking, was arrested in August last year in a joint operation by Ludhiana police and counterintelligence in Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh.