Probe in PF scam accused death in jail family alleges poison

Even as the Uttar Pradesh government has ordered probe into the mysterious death of the main accused of the mutli-crore rupees Provident Fund (PF) scam, the family members alleged some foul play in the incident. 







The state Jail Department has ordered a probe by the DIG (Jail) while the Ghaziabad district authorities have ordered a separate magisterial enquiry into the death of Ashutosh Asthana in Dasna Jail at Ghaziabad. 







Sources said the real reason behind the killing, if poisoned could only be known through viscera test." The viscera of the deceased have been preserved and would be sent for examination", sources added. 







Ashutosh, 43 and prime accused in over Rs 20 crore scam was in the jail since January, 2008, was found unconscious in cell 5-B barrack. The barrack was occupied by other criminals and Asthana’s cell was next to Nithari killings accused Surendra Kohli. 







The jail authorities claim that the accused suffered a massive heart attack as he was sweating a lot and was rushed to the district MMG government hospital but doctors there declared him brought dead. 







But the family members alleged that he was poisoned by someone inside his cell. They also claimed that Ashutosh had threat on his life due to high profile case but the district police did not cared for it. 







Doctors attending the deceased in the hospital have also said Asthana’s death could be due to poisoning.