CID to probe custodial death in Tumakuru

A 39-year-old suspect brought to Tumakuru city police station for interrogation on Tuesday night, has died under mysterious circumstances. The deceased has been identified as Mohammed Afta, a resident of Hebbal in Bengaluru.

Superintendent of Police Dr Divya Gopinath told reporters that the personnel of the Tumakuru city police station rushed to Chomballi village on Tuesday night after they were alerted that the local residents had caught hold of three suspicious persons. "It was found that around 20 people were attacking the three and the police intervened to protect them. The three men, identified as Mohammed Afta, Syed Khasim Sab and Shekhar were taken into custody and brought to Tumakuru city police station.

Since Mohammed Afta was found to be in illegal possession of a fire arm, a case was registered against him. "However, even as the investigation formalities were being completed, Afta collapsed. He was immediately shifted to the district hospital where the doctors declared him dead," the SP explained.

This is a case of custodial death and not lock up death. A case has been registered in this regard and the the investigation is entrusted to the CID as per the guidelines of the State Human Rights Commission, she said.

A case of murder for gain has been registered against Mohammed Afta at Kallambella police station. It is also learnt that Afta was booked for plotting robbery, the SP added.

Meanwhile, Arif, the brother of Afta, said that his brother was fine and had come to house on Tuesday noon. He said he had doubts about the cause of his brother's death and sought a probe.