Mumbai: A 19-year-old boy, Jeeshan Shaikh, has been arrested by Shivaji Nagar police for allegedly poisoning his 16-year-old friend, Shaheen Shaikh, by mixing pesticide into an energy drink. The incident occurred on 28 June in the Govandi area of Mumbai and was initially reported as an accidental death.

According to police, both teenagers had consumed the energy drink together. The next morning, Shaheen was found dead, and Jeeshan also displayed symptoms of vomiting. Based on Jeeshan’s account at the time, police registered the case as an accidental death.

However, the autopsy report later revealed traces of a toxic substance, prompting investigators to launch a murder probe. Under questioning on 5 July, Jeeshan reportedly confessed to the crime, stating that he planned the poisoning due to feelings of financial exploitation by the victim. Police say Jeeshan had been harbouring resentment and formulated the plan during a recent visit to his native village in Uttar Pradesh.

In a further attempt to avoid suspicion, Jeeshan is believed to have consumed a small amount of the poisoned drink himself. He worked as a vehicle painter in a local garage.

Police have registered a case of murder and are continuing the investigation.