BANGALORE: In the second such incident in the past two weeks, a 26-year-old man, an accused in a murder case, died on Monday while in the custody of the Jayanagar police.

Following the death of Abdul Rauf, Jayanagar Inspector Shankaraiah and constables Venkatesh and Venkateshaiah have been booked for culpable homicide and placed under suspension.

The Additional Commissioner of Police, H.C. Kishorechandra, told presspersons that on Sunday afternoon the Jayanagar police arrested Rauf and his "accomplice," Ali (27), in connection with the murder of Afroze Pasha, who was hacked to death by an 11-member gang in Kumaraswamy Layout police station limits on March 11.

Following a tip-off, the police arrested them at Shikaripalya on Hosur Road. Rauf and Pasha clashed with the police and they suffered injuries, Mr. Kishorechandra said. After they were brought to the Jayanagar police station, they complained of uneasiness and were taken to the Garden City Hospital. They were treated and were brought back to the station.

On Monday morning, when Rauf complained of uneasiness again, he was taken to Victoria Hospital where he was declared brought dead. Ali has been admitted to Garden City Hospital, Mr. Kishorechandra said.

He said the cause of Rauf's death will be known after autopsy.

Asked what prompted the police to book a case of culpable homicide against the three policemen, he said: "As there were injuries on Rauf's body, we have taken up a case of culpable homicide under Section 304 of the Indian Penal Code against the three policemen. We want to be above board."

Sources in the police told The Hindu that Rauf was a "follower" of a political leader. The three policemen were booked for culpable homicide and placed under suspension because of "political pressure," they said.

It is also said that Aforze Pasha, who was murdered allegedly by Rauf and others, was a supporter of a political party. To a query, Mr. Kishorechandra said the police have not gone into the political aspects of the case. As it is a case of custodial death, the Corps of Detectives (CoD) will investigate it. The Assistant Commissioner of Police (Fraser Town), Victor S. D'Souza, will conduct the preliminary inquiry, Mr. Kishorechandra said.

Rauf, a resident of Arkere, was a member of the Asghar gang.

Another suspect's death

On April 26, Yesu (26) committed suicide by hanging himself at the Ashoknagar police station.

Constables had brought Yesu to the station as he was a suspect in a robbery case.

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