A 35-year-old man named Selim Ansari was found dead under suspicious circumstances inside the Howrah District Correctional Home early Sunday morning. His death has led to serious questions and allegations from his family.
Selim was found hanging in his prison cell around 7 a.m. Jail staff quickly took him to Howrah District Hospital, but doctors said he was already dead. Following this, the Howrah police started an investigation.
Selim was a toto (e-rickshaw) driver and had been in jail for almost four years. He was arrested by Shibpur B Garden police for allegedly trying to kill a man named Bhola Roy near Shalimar station after a fight over extortion money. He was also charged under the Arms Act.
Also See: Terrifying Scene in South 24 Parganas: Man Arrested After Walking with Sister-in-Law’s Severed Head
According to police sources, Selim was found hanging with a gamcha (a cotton towel) inside his cell. Jail officials believe it was a suicide. However, Selim’s family disagrees and suspects foul play.
“We got a call from the hospital saying Selim has died in jail. We don’t believe it was suicide. He had no reason to end his life. He was murdered,” said one of his relatives. The family has demanded a high-level investigation into his death.
