HC seeks affidavit on preventing lock-up deaths

Expressing concern at the rising number of deaths in police lock-ups,HC asked the state government Friday to come up with preventive steps.

A division bench of justices A M Khanwilkar and A P Bhangale demanded an affidavit by April stating preventive measures. HC took up the issue after it received a letter from social activist N R Soni highlighting three custodial deaths at Thane Central Prison.

The directive comes a week after an accused was found dead in the lock-up of Chembur Police Station. While police claimed Naushad Shaikh killed himself by banging his head on the wall,a co-accused alleged he was beaten up during interrogation. Two cops have been suspended for the death.