Chandigarh, Oct. 1 -- A constable, who was a key prosecution witness in the 2017 Kotkhai custodial death case, has sought witness protection, a stay on his suspension and transfer of all inquiries concerning him outside Himachal Pradesh, alleging harassment and threats following his testimony against police personnel convicted in the case.

Constable Dinesh Kumar submitted an application before the member secretary, competent authority, Chandigarh Witness Protection Scheme, 2024, seeking Category-A protection.

Kumar was posted at Kotkhai police station on July 18, 2017, when Suraj Singh, one of the suspects arrested in connection with the rape and murder of a 16-year-old girl, died in police custody. Kumar told the CBI court in Chandigar...