Custodial death: Cops say drug overdose,family alleges assault

A 22-year-old youth, picked up early Friday in connection with a house breaking case in suburban Ghatkopar, died in police custody with his family alleging he was brutally assaulted there.

A 22-year-old youth, picked up early Friday in connection with a house breaking case in suburban Ghatkopar, died in police custody with his family alleging he was brutally assaulted there.

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Though post-mortem report was awaited, police suspect drug overdose to be the cause behind the death.

"When Altaf Khadir Shaikh was picked up from his house at Parksite in suburban Vikhroli, he was in a subconscious state. He was a drug addict and due to its overdose he was unable to walk. Somehow our men managed to bring him to Ghatkopar police station," Deputy Police Commissioner RM Vatkar said.

"There were other two to three criminals inside the detention room. At around 9 am, police tried to wake him up but he did not get up. As he was not responding, he was immediately rushed to Rajawadi hospital where he was declared dead," Vatkar added.

Altaf was not beaten up by any police officer, Vatkar said. "There are no external injuries on his body. However, we are still awaiting medical reports to know the exact cause of death," he said.