Builder shoots himself to death

A builder from Mahim, who was undergoing psychiatric treatment, shot himself at about 6:30am on Monday at his residence in Mahim.

Rizwan Lakdawala, 40, was alone in his room. His father, Ghulam Rasool, 67, was sleeping in an adjoining room. Police said Lakdawala had undergone psychiatric treatment at a hospital in Pune and was under medication.

His wife and three school-going children were away in Ahmedabad to attend a wedding. At first glance, the Mahim police think there is no foul play involved and have registered a case of suicide. They are awaiting the family’s return to Mumbai to get a clearer picture of Lakdawala’s motive.

In his statement, Rasool told the police that he saw his son sitting alone in the room at around 5am and did not sense anything amiss. But when there was no response to his repeated knocks on the door at around 7:30am, he panicked and called the neighbours. Subsequently, police broke open the door and found Lakdawala lying in a pool of blood, with his licensed 0.44 revolver lying by his side. “He shot himself in the right temple,” said a senior police officer.

Police are trying to ascertain the reason that drove Lakdawala to suicide. “It could have been his medical treatment, personal problems, or business issues,” said the officer, who did not want to be identified.

“Further investigations are on.” Guards at the building said Lakdawala usually left home early in the morning and returned home late at night. He mostly stayed aloof from other residents of the building.

s_poornima@dnaindia.net