A 27-year-old undertrial prisoner lodged in Aadharwadi jail in Kalyan died after complaining of giddiness and breathing difficulties, prompting his family to allege negligence by jail authorities.
Incident Details
The deceased, identified as Rishikesh Pawar, a resident of Dombivli, was in judicial custody in connection with an attempt to murder case linked to a dispute over a weekly market, police said.
According to officials, Pawar began feeling unwell on Tuesday evening. Jail authorities said he complained of dizziness around 8:15 pm and experienced breathing issues. A guard alerted the medical staff, following which he was examined at the jail's medical ward. His blood pressure was found to be low, and on a doctor's advice, he was shifted to the Central Hospital in Ulhasnagar for further treatment.
Pawar was taken to the hospital around 9:30 pm, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.
Family Allegations
The incident sparked tension late at night as family members and locals gathered outside the hospital, alleging gross negligence and delay in providing timely medical care. Riyaz Khan, a family friend, claimed Pawar had complained of chest pain as early as 5 pm but was not promptly shifted to a hospital. The family further alleged that instead of an ambulance, Pawar was transported in a private vehicle belonging to a jail official, which they claimed led to a critical delay.
Jail Authorities' Response
Refuting the allegations, jail superintendent Pradeep Jagtap said authorities acted promptly after Pawar's condition came to notice. "He was immediately attended to by the jail nurse and shifted for further treatment without delay. All necessary steps were taken in time. The allegations made by family members are not true," he said.
Police Investigation
Senior police inspector Amarnath Waghmode of Khadakpada police station said an accidental death report (ADR) has been registered. "We are probing the case to ascertain the exact cause of death," he added.
