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.
Family Alleges Custodial Assault
Zaheer’s family has accused police of physically assaulting him during custody. Relatives and supporters alleged that he was beaten, abused, and had his beard pulled during interrogation.
They further claimed that before his death at Ahmedabad’s SVP Hospital, Zaheer made a recorded statement naming certain police personnel and describing the alleged mistreatment.
Advocate Nauman Ghanchi alleged that despite Zaheer’s poor health, he was subjected to custodial torture.
The lawyer also claimed that police personnel involved in earlier assault allegations forced him to consume a “suspicious drink” during questioning.
A video reportedly recorded by Zaheer’s son, Toufik Sheikh, has also surfaced online. In the video, Zaheer, appearing weak and semi-conscious, allegedly claimed that a constable gave him a drink while in custody.
Toufik Sheikh has reportedly submitted a complaint to Ahmedabad Police Commissioner G S Malik seeking action against the officials allegedly involved.
Police Reject Allegations
Ahmedabad Police have strongly denied allegations of custodial torture or misconduct.
According to police officials, Zaheer’s health deteriorated after he consumed medicine brought by his wife while in custody. Officers said he had pre-existing health conditions, including diabetes, and was taken for medical treatment as soon as his condition worsened.
Assistant Commissioner of Police A B Valand rejected claims of assault, calling them “completely baseless.”
He said Zaheer was under continuous medical supervision in the intensive care unit and added that the medicine he consumed had been provided by his wife during a visit to the police station.
Protest Outside Hospital, Inquiry Ordered
Following Zaheer Shaikh’s death, tension was reported outside SVP Hospital as protestors gathered demanding accountability and action against the police personnel allegedly involved.
Police officials said an inquiry has now been initiated into the circumstances surrounding Zaheer’s deteriorating health and the events that took place while he was in custody.
According to police records, Zaheer had several cases registered against him in Ahmedabad police stations under charges related to alleged illegal slaughter, animal cruelty, rioting, and assault. He had also reportedly been detained under the Prevention of Anti-Social Activities Act (PASA) in the past.
However, family members insist his death must be investigated independently, alleging that the circumstances surrounding his custody and hospitalisation raise serious concerns.
