A 35-year-old Nigerian national died after allegedly jumping from a third-floor residence in Pune when a joint team of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the Pune police raided the flat on Saturday.
The deceased Obyeka Anwanbukwa, who lived in Mumbai and was visiting a friend in the city, jumped out of the window of a three-storey building in the city’s Pimple Gurav area when the police raided the place.
“He jumped out of the window when asked about his involvement in a drug peddling racket. While he suffered severe injuries, doctors at the Aundh district hospital initially declared him to be normal. Later, however, he complained of uneasiness and died during treatment around midnight,” said senior inspector Saifan Mujawar, in-charge of Sangvi police station.
NCB officials have hinted that Anwanbukwa, whom they suspect to be involved in the drug trade, perhaps had prior information that the NCB was looking for him.
“The matter is being investigated further by the police. We take action only when we have confirmed information,” said police sub-inspector Deepak Jadhav.
A group of Nigerian students in the city have demanded a detailed inquiry into Anwanbukwa's death.
“We want a thorough health examination to be done. The copies of the autopsy report should be given to us and the Nigerian embassy,” said Bob Frany, vice-president of the Nigerian Students' Union in Pune.
Mr. Frany further requested the police to be careful while probing matters involving foreign students.
Anwanbukwa's body was taken to the Sassoon hospital on Sunday for post-mortem . Meanwhile, the Sangvi police have registered a case of accidental death under Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Code.