Cop arrested for abetment of suicide after man kills himself alleging harassment

The accused Amarnath and Mitlesh Jha

The suicide of Virar resident Vikas Jha, who set himself ablaze in front of the Vasai SDPO's office last November, alleging harassment by police and neighbours, continues to remain a burning topic. The Arnala police have now booked an officer attached with Virar police and three others on the charge of abetment to suicide after Vikas' elder brother Amit consumed rat poison on Saturday and died in a Dadar hospital on Sunday.

Munaf Baluch and senior inspector, Virar police, Yunus Shaikh. Pics/Hanif Patel

While Amit had alleged police action in his brother's death against those who drove him to take the step, their father Vinaykant complained to the police that Amit ended his life due to harassment by senior inspector Yunus Shaikh, local politician Munaf Baluch and the couple Amarnath and Mitlesh Jha, all of whom had allegedly slapped a false case on Vikas. So far, the couple has been arrested.

Superintendent of police, Palghar district, Manjunath Shinge said the SDPO, Vasai, was investigating the case. "A detailed investigation will be done to find out the exact cause of the death, and appropriate action will be taken based on medical reports. It's very unfortunate that we have lost a precious life. The Palghar police are with Amit's family and will extend all possible help and support to them," he added.

Case diary
On November 8, Mitlesh Jha, 40, was learning to drive a Scooty in her society compound at Suram Park, Virar. According to the police, Vikas Jha, 25, rammed into her vehicle with his Scooty and she fell down. When Mitlesh got up and was lifting her two-wheeler, Vikas allegedly rammed into her again. The police said an argument followed and Vikas called his brother and father, and they all allegedly thrashed Mitlesh with a bamboo and a rod. Mitlesh alleged that when she went to lodge a complaint, the police took down only an NC. Vikas had, however, alleged that under pressure from Munaf Baluch, the police framed him in the case and forced him to take the extreme step.

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