Nagpur custodial death under scanner; Crime Branch begins probe, CID may take over

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Nagpur: The death of fraud accused Amit Bhagat, who allegedly consumed poison while being taken into police custody in Nagpur’s Hudkeshwar police station jurisdiction, has triggered a major controversy. In view of the sensitive nature of the custodial death, the preliminary inquiry has reportedly been handed over to the Nagpur Crime Branch. Officials are also considering transferring the investigation to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) if evidence points to police negligence or other serious lapses.

The incident marks the second custodial death reported in Nagpur within a few months, raising serious concerns over police procedures and the safety of accused persons in custody. Demands are growing for an independent investigation to ensure transparency and impartiality.

Accused in Rs 4.80 lakh petrol pump embezzlement case

The deceased, Amit Bhagat, was a resident of Kalamb in Maharashtra’s Yavatmal district. Police said he was accused of embezzling approximately Rs 4.80 lakh from a petrol pump. Following the registration of the case, Bhagat had reportedly moved to Nagpur with his wife and was living and working in the Hudkeshwar area.

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On Monday, a joint team from Kalamb Police in Yavatmal and Hudkeshwar Police reached Nagpur to take Bhagat into custody. During the operation, his wife allegedly protested the arrest, creating a commotion. Amid the chaos, Bhagat is reported to have consumed rat poison that he had allegedly kept with him.

Police immediately rushed him to a hospital after learning he had ingested the poison. However, doctors were unable to save him. The incident has raised questions about police vigilance and whether adequate precautions were taken during the arrest.

Post-mortem conducted under judicial supervision

Considering the sensitivity of the case, a post-mortem examination was conducted on Tuesday in the presence of a Judicial Magistrate. The entire procedure was videographed. Authorities expect the post-mortem findings and the ongoing investigation to provide greater clarity on the circumstances leading to Bhagat’s death.

The latest incident follows another custodial death in Nagpur earlier this year, when a 19-year-old POCSO accused, Nagendrakumar Bharatiya, allegedly died by suicide inside the lock-up at Jaripatka Police Station.

The back-to-back incidents have intensified scrutiny of custodial safety measures. A key question investigators are expected to examine is how Bhagat allegedly managed to carry a toxic substance while in police custody and whether officers took timely action to prevent him from consuming it.

Sources said the Crime Branch has begun a preliminary inquiry into the incident. Depending on the findings, particularly if evidence of procedural lapses or negligence emerges, the investigation may be transferred to the CID.

Investigators are expected to focus on how Bhagat allegedly obtained or retained the rat poison, when he consumed it, and what immediate steps were taken by the police to save his life.

Police officials have not yet issued a detailed statement on the incident. The findings of the Crime Branch investigation and the post-mortem report are now expected to play a crucial role in determining the next course of action.

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