Mumbai: Rape accused dies in custody; family says ‘death is suspicious’

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A 24-year-old rape accused from Jogeshwari was found dead under mysterious circumstances in Thane Jail late on Wednesday night. The man was arrested in July for allegedly raping a 17-year-old girl, who was his girlfriend. The incident came to light after the girl was found to be pregnant. The jail authorities have sent his body to JJ Hospital for a postmortem, the report of which is awaited.

The deceased, identified as Vikas Kirashan Athawal, was arrested by the Malad police. The Athawal family has alleged that Vikas had no health issues and he died suddenly under mysterious circumstances. A police officer said, "We have informed his family about the incident and sent his body for postmortem."

Thane Jail Superintendent Harshad Aherao said, "On Wednesday Athawal fell ill and started vomiting. We rushed him to Shivaji Hospital at Kalwa where he was treated. However, he died after some time. He was arrested by the Malad police under IPC sections and and POCSO Act."

Family did not know about affair

When contacted, Athawal's uncle Madan Durga said, "My nephew and the girl met and fell in love last year. Our family had no knowledge of their affair, but in July she was admitted to hospital and found to be six months pregnant. The hospital informed the police, as she is a minor. Posing as doctors, the cops called my nephew to the hospital and arrested him. The girl was ready for marriage but as she is a minor, my nephew got stuck in the case."

"On Wednesday, we were informed about his death around 9 pm. He didn't have any health issues. After his arrest he went into depression. His death is very suspicious, police should investigate the matter," Durga added.

However, JJ Hospital sources said, "The postmortem is still in the process."