Mumbai: Maharashtra CID on Monday began an
inquiry into the death of Fiaz Usmani -- the brother of an
alleged Indian Mujahideen member -- who passed away in a
hospital yesterday after questioning by the Crime Branch
sleuths in connection with the July 13 serial bomb blasts.
Fiaz was the brother of Afzal Usmani, currently lodged
in jail for his alleged role in 2008 Gujarat blasts.
The CID inquiry was ordered by Maharashtra Director
General of Police after Fiaz Usmani's family here alleged that
he was tortured in police custody.
"The statements of some policemen involved in bringing
Usmani to Chembur Crime Branch unit and questioning him were
recorded today," said a CID official.
The statements of Usmani's family members, as well
Chembur Crime Branch unit in-charge Sripad Kale, were yet to
be recorded, the official added.
Meanwhile, Deputy Police Commissioner (Crime) Nisar
Tamboli described Fiaz Usmani's death as "unfortunate" and
said "it is natural for any person to make allegations when a
family member dies."
"We had brought him from his Govandi residence for
questioning on Saturday but Usmani did not appear to be tense
or anxious. About 20 to 25 minutes after he was brought to the
Chembur Crime Branch unit, he felt unwell after which he was
immediately rushed to Shatabadi Hospital," he said.
"Doctors advised us to take him to Sion Hospital and
there was no delay on the part of police in taking him to the
hospital. All possible medical assistance was provided to
to Usmani", Tamboli added.
The controversy over Fiaz's death has caused a setback
to probe into the blasts, in which no arrest has been made
till now, said an officer requesting anonymity.
PTI
First Published: Monday, July 18, 2011, 23:57