New Delhi, Mar 11 (IANS): The defence lawyer in the Dec 16 brutal gang-rape incident Monday demanded a full-fledged inquiry into the "suicide" of his client Ram Singh Monday morning, claiming that there was "foul play" in the case.

Ram Singh had reportedly committed suicide, hanging himself by his pyjamas to a window grill at Tihar jail, where he was held in judicial custody.

"The court had given permission to Ram Singh to meet his parents and family members. He would meet them every day. The trial was proceeding smoothly. I cannot understand what may have led him to commit suicide," V.K. Anand, the defence lawyer, said.

Anand said that a full-fledged inquiry was needed in the case.

"It is true that in the beginning Ram Sigh was tortured by the police. But he had not complained of any torture recently," Anand said.

The defence lawyer said that he met Ram Singh last Friday, and he appeared calm, and in a good mood.

"Not only Ram Singh, the other accused were also in a good mood because the trial was going on in a fair way. All the accused feel they are in a safe hands," he said.

According to the lawyer, Ram Singh was a bold man, and could not have ended his own life.

"He could not have committed suicide. He never complained to either his family or me, and he was not in depression," Anand said.

Suspecting foul play in the case, Anand blamed Tihar authorities for the death of his client: "The government and the police have worries, and were pressuring Ram Singh to change his lawyer. He refused to do that... there is certainly foul play behind this suicide," Anand said.