Bengaluru: A suspected terror accused lodged in Bengaluru Central Jail died due to illness late on Friday night while undergoing treatment at a government hospital, police officials said. The deceased has been identified as Sadiq Pasha (47), an undertrial prisoner who had been in judicial custody since 2020 in connection with an explosives-related case.

Authorities said he had been receiving treatment at Victoria Hospital for multiple health complications but did not respond to medical care. His death has been recorded as illness-related, and further legal formalities are under way.

Under treatment for multiple health conditions

According to police and prison sources, Pasha had been suffering from several health issues over the past six months, including low blood pressure and diabetes. His condition reportedly required continuous medical supervision.

He was shifted from the prison facility to Victoria Hospital when his health condition worsened. Despite treatment and monitoring by doctors, he died late on Friday night.

Officials said standard procedures are being followed, including medical documentation and mandatory reporting in custodial death cases. A post-mortem examination is expected to confirm the exact medical cause of death.

Arrested in explosives storage case

Pasha had been lodged in Bengaluru Central Jail since 2020 following his arrest in a case registered under the Suddaguntepalya police station limits related to the alleged storage of explosive materials. The case was later taken up for investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

During the probe, the NIA conducted raids at multiple locations and arrested six suspects in connection with the case. Pasha was among those accused and had remained in custody as the investigation and related court proceedings continued.

Officials described him as a key accused in the case, though the trial process had not yet concluded.

Investigation agencies informed

Police said the concerned investigation agencies and court authorities have been informed about the death. As per protocol in cases involving undertrial prisoners and accused in serious cases, an inquest and related inquiries will be conducted.

Senior officers said custodial death guidelines will be followed, including documentation of treatment history, hospital records and prison medical logs. Statements from medical staff and prison authorities may also be recorded as part of the procedure.

There was no immediate indication of foul play, and preliminary inputs point to natural causes linked to existing illnesses, officials added.

Prison health monitoring in focus

The incident has again drawn attention to health monitoring systems for inmates with chronic illnesses. Prison manuals require regular health screening and referral to government hospitals when specialised care is needed.

Sources said Pasha had been under periodic medical observation and was referred for outside treatment when his condition showed complications. Coordination between prison medical units and government hospitals is standard practice in such cases.

Human rights guidelines mandate timely medical access for all inmates, including undertrials, and compulsory reporting of any custodial death to judicial authorities.

Conclusion

The death of Sadiq Pasha, an undertrial accused in an explosives case, has been attributed to prolonged illness while under treatment at a city hospital. Authorities have initiated mandatory procedures and documentation, while investigation agencies have been notified. Further clarity on the medical cause of death is expected after post-mortem and official reports.