2 days ago
Adelaide father who was ‘just drunk' when arrested dies in hospital as Commissioner's Inquiry into death underway
An Adelaide father has died in hospital after becoming unresponsive during a police arrest, with his partner claiming he was 'just drunk' and not assaulting her.
A major investigation has been launched into the death of Gaurav Kundi, 42, who was taken to hospital following an incident involving officers at Royston Park on May 29.
Police had spotted an altercation between a man and a woman, and the 42-year-old became unresponsive during an attempt to arrest him, according to a South Australia Police statement that day.
Footage of the arrest filmed by his partner Amritpal Kaur and obtained by 9News appeared to show Mr Kundi being forced to the ground during the arrest.
Ms Kaur told 9News earlier this month that Mr Kundi was intoxicated at the time and said he 'pushed me a little bit' after she told him to go home with her.
"The policeman think he's assaulting me and doing domestic violence on the road but policeman is wrong," she told 9News.
"He is just drunk and that's why he is loud, nothing else."
Police confirmed on Friday that Mr Kundi died at Royal Adelaide Hospital that morning.
Ms Kaur did not wish to comment on Friday morning, according to The Advertiser.
A Commissioner's Inquiry into the incident was announced earlier this month and a death in police custody investigation has been launched, with a report to be prepared for the state's coroner.
South Australian Police Commissioner Grant Stevens told media on Friday the officers' body worn video footage has been reviewed, and said police are confident that a knee was not placed on Mr Kundi's neck by any officer during the incident.
'And I can confirm that his head was not forced into the police vehicle, side of the police vehicle, nor was his head forced into the ground during the incident," the Commissioner said.
He also confirmed that none of the officers involved in the incident have since been stood down from their duties.
'There is nothing at this point in time that would warrant that determination. If information comes to light during any of the processes that indicates otherwise, then that would be something that would be reconsidered at that time,' Commissioner Stevens said.
Inquiries into his death will involve 'independent oversight', including from the state's Director of Public Prosecution and the Office of Public Integrity, as well as the State Coroner, according to police.
Police have advised the Indian Consulate about Mr Kundi's death.
