A 70-year-old man from Ahmedabad died while undergoing treatment at SVP Hospital days after being taken into police custody in connection with a cattle meat case, triggering serious allegations of custodial torture and protests outside the hospital. The deceased, identified as Zaheer Shaikh from Juhapura, had been arrested by Vejalpur Police on May 18 in a case involving the alleged possession of nearly 500 kilograms of suspected beef. Police said the case was originally registered on May 5 under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Animal Preservation Act after authorities recovered suspected cattle meat, a live calf, vehicles and equipment from an open field in the area.
The controversy intensified after a video reportedly recorded by Zaheer’s son surfaced online before his death. In the video, Zaheer allegedly claimed that he was assaulted during custody, accusing officers of physically abusing him, pulling his beard, kicking him, and demanding money. Family members and their lawyer further alleged that he was tortured despite being elderly and unwell. Advocate Nauman Ghanchi, representing the family, also claimed that police personnel forced Zaheer to consume a suspicious substance during interrogation. Following his death, family members submitted a complaint demanding action against the officers allegedly involved and called for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his custody and treatment.
Ahmedabad Police have denied all allegations of custodial torture, stating that Zaheer’s health deteriorated after consuming medication brought by his wife during a visit to the police station. Officials said he was immediately shifted to the hospital and remained under intensive medical care until his death. Police also stated that a preliminary forensic postmortem found no visible injury marks on the body and confirmed that the examination and inquest were conducted under videography in the presence of a magistrate. Authorities have ordered a judicial inquiry into the accidental death, while tensions continue in the area as protesters and activists demand accountability and transparency in the investigation.
