Doctor says Tabrez Ansari could have died of cardiac arrest, police maintain mob lynching not cause of death: Reports

The investigation team set up by the district administration to inquire into the matter of Tabrez Ansari’s death has concluded that he could have died as a consequence of stress-induced cardiac arrest, The New Indian Express has reported. Tabrez Ansari was allegedly brutally beaten by a mob in Jharkhand on the 18th June on the accusation of theft. He had died on 22nd in police custody.

The team constituted by the Deputy Commissioner which comprises of the SDO, District Superintendent of Police (DSP) and the civil doctor submitted its report on Tuesday. Civil Surgeon Dr AN Ray was quoted by TNIE as saying, “Stress-induced cardiac arrest could have led to the sudden death of Ansari since no internal injury was found during his post mortem examination”.

“Barring some cut marks on his head, hands and legs, no deep injury was found on the body of Tabrez Ansari which might have led to his death. In the video footage obtained from the jail, he was seen walking around and talking to other jailed persons”, police said as per the report.

“On June 22, after completing his ablutions, Ansari demanded drinking water. He drank it and then complained of dizziness and fainted. He was immediately rushed to the Sadar Hospital where he was put on oxygen but could not be saved,” said the Civil Surgeon. However, Dr Ray said in his report to the sub-divisional magistrate that the detailed forensic report which will be available in 2 weeks time will help pinpoint the actual reason.

The Police too have maintained that Ansari did not die due to mob lynching, according to a report on Jagran. The SP of Saraikela has said that many misleading videos are being circulated on the matter in order to vitiate the atmosphere. He said that people who are spreading rumours won’t be spared as well.

According to the Police, people had gotten into a fight with Ansari on 18th June who was accused of trying to steal a bike. After police got information about the same, they reached the spot and rescued him. Police had also recovered the stolen bike and some other items. The Police gave him first aid, subjected him to a medical examination and then submitted the report to the Court, only then he was sent to jail. Three days later, his health deteriorated and he died. Therefore, the Police says it is wrong to claim he died due to mob lynching.

Comments of both the doctor and police suggest that the mob attack may not be the result of Ansari’s death, but that will be confirmed after the detail forensic reports become available.