Pak launches inquiry into Indian prisoner's death

Pakistan has launched a judicial inquiry into the death of Indian national Chambel Singh, who was serving a five-year jail term for spying, following allegations that he died after being beaten by prison staff.

Refuting reports that Singh was beaten up, Ishtiaq Ahmed, the additional superintendent of Kot Lakhpat Jail said the Indian prisoner had developed pains in his chest while having breakfast on January 15 and was taken to a state-run hospital.

“We shifted him to JinnahHospital, where doctors pronounced him dead. The apparent cause of death was cardiac arrest, according to the doctors," Ahmed told PTI.

Following allegations and media reports that Singh was assaulted by prison staff, authorities launched a judicial inquiry into his death.

Judicial magistrate Afzal Abbas recorded the statements of 14 Indian prisoners who were in the same barrack as Singh.

"All the 14 Indian prisoners have recorded their statements. There is no question of torture either by the staff or other prisoners," Ahmed said.

Other officials said the judicial magistrate was awaiting autopsy findings to finalise his report on Singh's death.

Syed Mudassar Hussain, an associate professor in the forensic department of JinnahHospital, told PTI that the autopsy of Singh's body was yet to be done.

"The cause of death can be ascertained only after the autopsy, which will carried out shortly," Hussain said.

 Singh was serving a five-year prison term for alleged involvement in espionage.