32-year-old man dies in Mangaluru Police's Custody, Commissioner assures family of fair probe

Mangaluru: A 32-year-old man reportedly died in Mangaluru Police Custody on Friday afternoon after he was taken into custody in the wee hours of Friday for attempted robbery near Jyothi Circle here in the city. The deceased person has been identified as Rajesh Kumar (32), a resident of Urwa Marigudi in the city. According to the police, Rajesh and another man Satish (35), a resident of Railway Quarters in Suratkal were found suspiciously wandering near Jyothi circle in the early hours of Friday. When the local police patrolling vehicle apprehended the duo, they said they were trying to steal iron rods that were meant for the construction work of Smart City. The duo was then taken to Bunder Police Station where Rajesh died in police custody on Friday afternoon. A case in this regard has been registered at Bunder Police Station. City’s Police Commissioner Shashi Kumar stated that Rajesh and Satish were detained at 3:30 am on Friday after which they had claimed they were trying to steal iron rods meant for smart city work. “They told they were drunk and wanted money to pay for the drinks,” Shashi Kumar said. “At the police station around 3:20 pm, Rajesh complained of severe heart pain after having food. He was rushed to District Wenlock Hospital but he had passed away before reaching the hospital.” He further added. Rajesh’s family has expressed suspicion over his death in police custody and has called for a fair probe into the matter. “We are taking this matter seriously. An investigation will be held led by ACP Mahesh Kumar and we are waiting for the post-mortem report to come to any conclusion. Rajesh’s family and social activists have demanded an investigation, so we will carry out fair investigation into the matter.” Shashi Kumar said. (Source: Vartha Bharati)