Painter dies by suicide in Hyderabad after alleged torture over theft allegation

Accused of theft and allegedly tortured, a Hyderabad painter ended his life by self-immolation. Police have registered a case of abetment and launched an investigation.

Hyderabad: A 45-year-old painter died by suicide on Tuesday night, allegedly out of fear of physical torture and abuse by two individuals who had accused him of stealing gold ornaments from their house in Balapur.

According to the police, Shaik Chand Pasha, a resident of Omer Colony in Hafeezbabanagar, along with his colleague Abdul Khaleel, had gone to the house of Mohsin and Khaled in Shaheennagar on May 17 to carry out painting work.

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After completing the job, both workers left the premises. However, Mohsin and Khaled called them back the next day under the pretext of additional work. Upon their arrival, the duo was accused of stealing gold ornaments and were allegedly asked to return the missing items.

“When Chand Pasha and Khaleel denied any knowledge of the missing ornaments, Mohsin and Khaled tied their hands with binding wire and administered electric shocks,” said the Balapur police. “They were released later and given two days to return the jewellery.”

On Tuesday evening, while walking on Balapur Road, Chand Pasha reportedly received another call from Mohsin and Khaled, again demanding that he return the stolen ornaments.

“Fearing further torture, Chand Pasha entered a toddy compound carrying a bottle of fuel. He locked himself inside a washroom, doused himself with fuel, and set himself ablaze,” police said.

Locals rushed him to a hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival. A case has been registered against Mohsin and Khaled for abetment of suicide, and an investigation is underway.