Couple commits suicide in police custody in Ranchi

A man and his minor wife allegedly committed suicide on Tuesday while in police custody here, said a police officer.

Mohammed Gaffar of Godda district was arrested here along with his 15-year-old wife on Monday night following a complaint filed against him by the girl's family, said Ranchi Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kuldeep Dwivedi.

Gaffar, a Muslim, was already married when he met the girl who belonged to a Hindu family. The two eloped from their homes and were staying here as a couple for the last one and a half months.

In their complaint, the girl's family alleged that Gaffar had kidnapped her.

A Godda district police team arrested the couple and kept them in Argora police station in Ranchi.

While in police custody, the two consumed some poisonous substance. They were rushed to a hospital where they were declared brought dead.

"Prima facie it appears that the couple consumed some poisonous substance, due to which they died. An SP (Superintendent of Police) has been asked to probe the incident," said SSP Dwivedi.

Three officers, including a woman assistant sub-inspector under whose supervision the girl was kept, have been suspended for being negligent in their duty, he said.

The bodies of the two have been sent for post-mortem examination, he added.