Shaik Mustafa, the 11-year-old boy who was allegedly set ablaze by unknown persons at Mehdipatnam’s Garrison on Wednesday, died while undergoing treatment on Thursday morning.
The boy, studying at a madarasa and staying at Siddiquinagar adjacent to the Garrison area, was found lying in the military area by local persons on Wednesday afternoon and they rushed him to OGH hospital. He was later shifted to Apollo DRDO Hospital at Santoshnagar where he succumbed to burns.
In his dying declaration made before the magistrate, the boy alleged that two military personnel set him ablaze. His parents and relatives also made a similar charge. However, the Army, in a press release, condemned the incident and stated that none of its personnel were involved in the incident and its officials were cooperating with the local police in the investigation.
Three special teams constituted by the West Zone police have begun a probe. “First we need to know the reason for the boy’s presence in the military area and what led to the incident. Once it is known, we can solve the case,” a police official explained.
Hyderabad Commissioner M. Mahendar Reddy said, “Investigation is in progress and all angles are being looked into.” A SIT headed by a DCP is likely to probe the incident.
Meanwhile, the funeral procession of Mustafa passed off peacefully. The boy was laid to rest at First Lancer graveyard. Hyderabad Mayor Majid Hussain and Nampally MLA Jaffer Hussain Miraj were present on the occasion. GHMC also announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh to the bereaved family.
Rs. 5 lakh ex-gratiaChief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao has assured to order an inquiry into the death of Mustafa and announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 5 lakh to the bereaved family.
