Auto driver succumbs to mob attack; political party's hand alleged

Mumbai: An auto driver died of injuries after an alleged attack on him by a mob in Mumbai's Malad after they suspected him as a thief, PTI reported from a police official's account. His relation took a protest march demanding action against those who attacked the 32-year–old Shahrukh Sheikh, the source said.

The source said that Sheikh was caught by the residents of Damu Nagar when he went there ten days ago to check his autorickshaw, which he parked there earlier. The locals thought he was a thief, attacked him, and later dumped him in an isolated area, the source said.

Police got information from some passersby, and Sheikh was bought to the police station. He was charged with robbery but secured bail two days later. He died later under treatment, possibly out of injuries he sustained while the attack, the police source said.

After that, the relative of the deceased demanded the police to check CCTV cameras and catch Sheikh's attackers. He carried out a protest march to Commissioner's office on Sunday. He alleged that those involved were political party activists, and no action was taken on the lynching because of political pressure.

However, police said that they first booked Sheikh for robbery but later named seven to eight people for rioting based on the complaint of the Sheikh's relative. Further action will be initiated after the post mortem report. Police added that no injury marks were found in Sheikh's body.