This Article is From Apr 07, 2013

Woman accused of theft allegedly kills self in police custody

Mumbai: A 37-year-old woman arrested in connection with a theft case allegedly committed suicide by drinking a toilet cleaning solution inside a police station in suburban Kandivali on Saturday, police said.

"Radha Hiwale was brought to the police station after she was apprehended around 9:20 AM from her residence in Damu Nagar slums in Kandivali, for allegedly stealing gold ornaments worth Rs 44,000 from a house where she was employed as a domestic help," senior inspector at Samata Nagar police station, Nana Kamble, said.

Hiwale's employer had complained against her on March 30 for the alleged theft, he added.

After reaching the police station, she asked her daughter to bring food and also a chemical used as toilet cleaner.

Unaware of her mother's intentions, the girl handed over the items.

According to the police, she allegedly consumed the chemical at around 10.20 am.

"Hiwale was rushed to civic-run Bhagwati Hospital after she started vomiting. She died in the afternoon while undergoing treatment," police said.

The Crime Branch has been assigned to investigate the death, police said.

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