In Mumbai, 17-year-old beaten to death by inmates at children’s remand home

A 17-year-old boy being held in a juvenile remand home in Mumbai has succumbed to injuries sustained when he was allegedly assaulted by fellow inmates earlier this month.

Amir Ahmed was allegedly assaulted at the remand home in Matunga more than 10 days ago. He died at Nair hospital on Thursday, police said.

The Shivaji Park police station has registered a case of murder and rioting against 12 inmates of the remand home.

Ahmed, a resident of Powai, was arrested for theft in April. He was produced in a juvenile court and sent to the remand home.

On May 17, other inmates demanded drugs and alcohol from Ahmed. They then beat him all over his body with bats, bamboo sticks and iron rods, Ahmed’s family members said.

They said no one at the remand home administered first aid or took Ahmed to hospital. The family found out about Ahmed’s condition only when he came home after being granted bail on May 20.

Ahmed was taken to Rajawadi hospital after he complained of pain. He was later shifted to Nair hospital, where his condition deteriorated and he died.

TV news channels reported that Ahmed told police before his death that he was also sodomised.

Deputy commissioner of police Mahesh Patil said, “Amir had tried to escape on May 17, and was caught by the inmates and thrashed. However, the children’s home claims they were not informed about the assault.”