Bangalore: A 21-year-old youth, booked for vehicle theft, committed suicide on Tuesday due to alleged harassment by the police.
Thimmaraju, who had allegedly gulped down sleeping tablets, was found lying in an unconscious state at his residence on Tuesday. He was rushed to the M S Ramaiah Hospital where he died on Wednesday.
Thimmaraju’s family members alleged that he took the extreme step due to harassment by the Jalahalli police. However, the jurisdictional police rejected the charges and termed the allegations as baseless.
“We have not even taken him into custody and also did not find any suicide note. We are probing into the matter to find out the exact reason for the suicide,” a police officer said.
Second accused
Thimmaraju was booked as the second accused in a vehicle theft case by the Jalahalli police. The key accused had already been arrested by the police.
Senior police officials said they were probing the case, to ascertain whether or not there was harassment by the local police.
Sandeep Patil, Deputy Commissioner of Police (North), said, “There is an allegation by the family and friends of the deceased that he was being allegedly harassed by the local police. We are looking into the matter and if there was harassment, strict action will be taken against the guilty staff.”
He said Thimmaraju was a first-time offender and no case was pending against him.
