Jeweller accused of buying stolen gold dies in Bijnor jail after sudden illness

Bijnor: A 47-year-old jeweller from Meerut, lodged in Bijnor district jail on charges of purchasing stolen gold and silver, died on Saturday after his health suddenly deteriorated, marking the second inmate death in the facility within a week.

Jail officials said Arun Verma, housed in Barrack No 2, complained of chest pain and a burning sensation and was immediately moved to the jail hospital. When his condition failed to improve, he was referred to a govt medical facility where doctors declared him dead.

Police and prison authorities reached the hospital and sent the body for postmortem. Officials suspect a heart attack, though the exact cause of death will be confirmed after the report. No visible injury marks were found on the body.

Verma had been in jail since April 13 following his arrest in connection with a burglary reported on March 13 at a residence in Yashoda Kunj Colony.

SP City Krishna Gopal Singh said three suspects had been arrested in the case, and gold and silver worth around Rs 8 lakh was recovered. “Investigation revealed that Verma used to purchase stolen jewellery from the gang and melt it down as part of the illegal trade. Legal proceedings are underway,” he said.

The incident has raised concerns over prisoner safety and health monitoring inside Bijnor jail. Last Sunday, a 30-year-old inmate, Deepak, was found dead under suspicious circumstances, triggering protests and traffic disruption as his family alleged foul play and negligence by jail authorities.