A 70-year-old man identified as Zaheer Shaikh died after being taken into police custody in Ahmedabad’s Juhapura area, triggering serious allegations of custodial violence and raising questions over police conduct.
Zaheer Shaikh was reportedly arrested in connection with a case involving the alleged possession of around 500 kilograms of beef in the Vejalpur area of Ahmedabad. His death has now led to protests, with family members and local residents accusing police personnel of assaulting him during custody. Police, however, have denied all allegations and claimed his health worsened after he consumed medication while in custody.
Beef Seizure Case and Police Raid
The controversy began after a police raid conducted on May 5 in Ahmedabad’s Vejalpur area near Sonal Cinema Road. According to police, officers recovered nearly 520 kilograms of suspected cattle meat from an open field behind Neha Flats in Juhapura. A live calf was reportedly rescued, and equipment allegedly used for illegal slaughter was seized.
Police also confiscated vehicles, weighing scales, and a mobile phone, with the total value of the seized items estimated at around ₹4.66 lakh.
Several people were arrested during the raid, while others, including Zaheer Shaikh, were accused of fleeing the scene.
Videos of Alleged Assault Spark Outrage
Soon after the operation, videos allegedly showing police personnel publicly beating some accused surfaced on social media. The clips reportedly showed officers assaulting suspects near Sonal Cinema Road, prompting criticism and concern over police action.
The controversy deepened after Zaheer Shaikh was detained by police on May 16 in connection with another preventive detention matter. According to officials, he was later questioned in the cattle slaughter case and formally arrested.
This story was originally published in theobserverpost.com. Read the full story here.