Fayaz Usmani, brother of 2008 Gujarat blast suspect Afzal Usmani, died in hospital after being questioned by police in connection with the blasts here.
Fayaz Usmani, brother of 2008 Ahmedabad blast accused Afzal Usmani, died at 1:30 AM while he was undergoing treatment for hemiparesis and hypertension in the Lokmanya Tilak Hospital in Mumbai, doctors said. ‘Though he need care in the ICU he was kept in general ward’, a doctor said.
Speaking to media Rubeda said, “I want justice. I want a probe into my husbands death. They came on Saturday evening and picked him up saying they would just question him and let him return home. After that I don’t know what happened, but my husband was admitted in hospital after being picked up by the police.”
“My husband was not suffering from any illness. He was healthy, he didn’t have a heart problem ,blood pressure or blood sugar problems either. He had no problems and was in good health.”
Rubeda’s allegations are echoed by the rest of Fayaz’s family who also said he was fine when he left the house with the police.
Azeem Usmani, the victim’s son alleged, “My father was picked up for questioning and pressurised during interrogation. They are to blame for his death”.
His family also has alleged that he was tortured in custody. Police said Fayaz Usmani, a resident of suburban Govandi, who was picked up for questioning Saturday, died in a hospital in the wee hours today.
Dr Ryan Kumar, a doctor at the hospital said, “He died due to brain haemorrhage. This condition is usually when a person is exposed to some kind of shock”.
However Mumbai Police denied the charge. Mumbai Police Spokesperson Nisar Tamboli said, “The allegations of torture by police are absolutely untrue”.
SP leader Abu Azmi, who was also with the victim family said he would meet chief minister, home minister in this connection. He demanded magisterial probe into the death of Fayaz.