Auto driver ends life over alleged police harassment

​Hyderabad: Body of a 24-year-old auto driver from city was found hanging to a tree in a burial ground on Saturday morning. The youth reportedly escaped from the police station on Friday night and ended his life due to alleged police harassment.

Mahesh Goud (24) and another auto driver Azam were picked up by Gopalpuram police on Thursday over complaint of money theft

Mahesh Goud (24) of West Marredpally along with another auto driver Azam were picked up by the Gopalpuram police on Thursday after receiving a complaint against him and Azam for stealing Rs 21,500 cash from an auto dickey when it was parked at Rathefile bus stand near Secunderabad Railway Station.

The police had questioned him for two days till Friday night. On Friday night, Mahesh escaped from the police station and was found dead in Marredpally burial ground hanging to a tree. His body was shifted to Gandhi Hospital Mortuary for autopsy and handed over to his family members.

Gopalpuram Inspector S Ramachandra Reddy said the duo was picked up for questioning and Mahesh confessed to have stolen the money and gave it to his friend Martin. When enquired with Martin, he told that Mahesh gave only Rs 2,000 and he is not aware of the remaining amount.

Denying the allegations of harassment, the Inspector said, “The duo was left free at 9.30 pm and asked to come back on Saturday morning. Mahesh’s friends were also present when he was set free. At around 1 am on Saturday, Mahesh was found hanging to a tree in burial ground.”

Upon enquiry, it was found that Mahesh went to Nehru Nagar, his neighbourhood, borrowed money from known associates and went to consume alcohol. It was also found that he had a habit of spending time in burial ground and sometimes was seen consuming alcohol along with his friends, the police said.

The family members of the deceased youth alleged harassment by the police. However, the police have booked a case under section 174 of CrPC and took up investigation.