Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru, Feb 18: A person who was trying to steal iron rods from a Smart City project site near Jyothi, Balmatta died hours after being taken into custody by the police. The incident was reported here on Friday February 18.

The deceased has been identified as Rajesh (30), a resident of Urwa.

Police sources said that at around 3.30 am on Friday, Rajesh and his accomplice were trying to steal iron rods near Ambedkar circle. The beat police who were on duty caught them and informed the Bunder police, who took them into custody.

The two accused were brought to Bunder police station and interrogated, during which they revealed that they were alcoholics and were attempting to steal the iron so as to sell them for money to buy liquor. The police later gave them snacks and breakfast and kept them in custody.

However, on Friday afternoon, Rajesh complained of chest pain and was rushed to Wenlock hospital, where the doctors declared him dead on arrival.

Speaking to reporters, police commissioner N Shashi Kumar said that as per a complaint filed by the deceased man's family, Rajesh was addicted to alcohol from the age of 18, and he used to roam around with friends at night. However, as the death occured while he was in police custody, the family has demanded a probe into the matter. Leaders from his community too approached the police demanding a thorough probe.

Accepting the demand, the police commissioner said that the case will be investigated by ACP Mahesh Kumar, and there will also be a magisterial inquiry. The police commissioner also said that CCTV cameras will be checked.