Man accused of raping and killing minor girl found dead in Navi Mumbai jail

A man accused of raping and murdering a minor girl in Kalyan town here, a case that had hit national headlines, allegedly died by suicide at Taloja Central Jail in neighbouring Navi Mumbai early on Sunday, police said.

The accused, Vishal Gawli (35), was found hanging in the prison toilet at around 3.30 am, an official said.

"Gawli went to the toilet and allegedly used a towel to hang himself. The prison authorities later found the body. A panchnama (spot inspection) was conducted. The body has been to the government-run JJ Hospital in Mumbai for post mortem," the Kharghar police station official said.