Youth poisons 16-year-old friend in Mumbai; laced energy drink with pesticide, accused says he felt sidelined

MUMBAI: Shivaji Nagar police have arrested a 19-year-old teenager who allegedly poisoned his 16-year-old friend, Shaheen Shaikh, and subsequently tried to portray the incident as an accidental death. The accused, Jeeshan Shaikh, carried out this act believing Shaheen was taking advantage of him financially while giving preference to other friends.On June 29, Shaheen was found dead at Jeeshan's residence in Govandi, with Jeeshan himself presenting symptoms of vomiting. A case of accidental death was initially registered following Jeeshan's claim that both he and Shaheen had consumed an energy drink and fell ill on the night of June 28. However, Shivaji Nagar police officers became sceptical, noting, "We got suspicious as the autopsy report showed poisonous substance as the cause of death." During questioning on Friday, Jeeshan admitted to orchestrating the murder, stating he felt exploited by the deceased who was more attentive to other friends. He disclosed formulating this scheme whilr visiting his native village in Uttar Pradesh during Eid last month. He acknowledged bringing pesticide, which he mixed into the energy drink.Jeeshan, employed as a painter at a garage, also consumed a small amount of the contaminated beverage when Shaheen requested to share it, aiming to avoid arousing suspicion about his motives.