India, April 7 -- A 77-year-old man suffering from dementia, who had forgotten his home address and gone missing on April 2, died after allegedly being neglected in police custody.

Vijay Vaman Vartak, 77, a resident of Wagholi village in Vasai West, had been living with age-related memory impairment, ranging from forgetfulness to severe dementia. On April 2, 2026, he left his home with a head injury and failed to return, triggering an anxious search by his family across Wagholi village and nearby localities.

That same day, two local residents spotted Vartak wandering aimlessly on a road in Nalasopara. Unable to recall his address or identify himself, he appeared disoriented and vulnerable. Concerned for his safety, the men escorted him ...