70-Year-old Muslim man dies in police custody in BJP-ruled Gujarat
Family stages protest, demands accountability
Ahmedabad: A 70-year-old Muslim man died in police custody in BJP-ruled Gujarat state, triggering allegations of custodial violence and raising serious questions over police conduct.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Zaheer Shaikh died after being taken into police custody in Ahmedabad’s Juhapura area. He was reportedly arrested in connection with allegations related to the sale of around 500 kilograms of beef in the Vejalpur area of Ahmedabad.
Following the incident, the family members and local residents staged a protest, stating that police personnel subjected the elderly man to physical assault while in custody.
The family has accused the police of custodial torture, saying that he was beaten, abused, and had his beard pulled during interrogation. They further said that before his death at Ahmedabad’s SVP Hospital, Zaheer made a recorded statement naming certain police personnel and describing the mistreatment.
Advocate Nauman Ghanchi said that despite Zaheer’s poor health condition, he was subjected to custodial torture. The lawyer also stated that police personnel forced him to consume a “suspicious drink” during questioning.
A video reportedly recorded by Zaheer’s son, Toufiq Sheikh, has also surfaced online in which Zaheer, appearing weak and semi-conscious, can be heard saying that a constable gave him a drink while in custody. The family has submitted a complaint to Ahmedabad Police Commissioner G S Malik, seeking action against the officials involved.
Grief-stricken relatives have demanded accountability and action against the police personnel involved in the incident.
