Thane tribal boy ‘tortured’ in police custody succumbs

A 16-year-old tribal boy, who was allegedly tortured by two police personnel of Nizampura police station at Bhiwandi town in Thane district last month, died at a hospital on Saturday.

The victim, identified as Babu Thackeray, was allegedly beaten up by the constables on the night of June 20. Fearing that he would be subjected to torture again, the next day Thackeray attempted suicide at his house in Mithpada locality, following which his condition deteriorated.

“Thackeray died at 4 pm while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Bhiwandi,” Vasai MLA Vivek Pandit said.

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According to a complaint by the boy’s elder brother Chandra Thackeray last month, Babu had injuries all over his body was tortured in custody by policemen, after being accused of stealing 2 kg of gold.

Police let the boy go home on the condition that he should report to the police station next morning, the FIR by his brother stated.