Vadodara Murder Suspect Dies by Suicide in Police Custody, Judicial Inquiry Ordered
In a shocking turn of events, a 65-year-old man arrested for the murder of his wife over two decades ago died by suicide while in police custody at the Bhadarva police station in Vadodara early Friday morning. The incident has prompted authorities to order a judicial inquiry alongside a separate police investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Arrest After 26-Year Manhunt Ends in Tragedy
The deceased, identified as Nirala alias Bharthari Kankar, was apprehended just three days prior by sleuths from the Vadodara rural local crime branch (LCB). This arrest came after a prolonged 26-year search for Kankar, who was accused of murdering his wife near Manjusar in the year 2000. Following his capture, he had been remanded to the custody of the Bhadarva police, where the tragic incident unfolded.
Sequence of Events Leading to the Suicide
According to police reports, around 3:18 AM on Friday, Kankar requested water from the officer on duty. Shortly after, at approximately 3:25 AM, he asked to be taken to the washroom. The policeman escorted him to the facility and waited outside as per protocol. However, when Kankar failed to emerge after more than 15 minutes, the officer grew concerned and knocked on the door. Receiving no response, authorities forced the door open and discovered Kankar hanging from the ventilation window, using his gamcha (a traditional cotton towel) as a noose.
Official Statements and Postmortem Findings
Sushil Agrawal, the Superintendent of Police (SP) for Vadodara rural, confirmed the incident and stated, "A judicial inquiry will be conducted into the death, alongside a separate police investigation." A panel postmortem examination was conducted, which verified that Kankar's cause of death was hanging, corroborating the initial police observations.
Background of the 2000 Murder Case
Police records indicate that Kankar was implicated in the brutal murder of his wife in 2000. The alleged crime involved setting her ablaze near Manjusar, after which he reportedly disposed of her body in an open gutter along the Vadodara-Savli Road before fleeing the scene. The Bhadarva police had registered a murder case at the time and initiated an extensive manhunt, which remained active for years.
Recent Developments and Arrest
The breakthrough in the long-standing case came recently when police received a tip-off suggesting that Kankar was residing in a village in Uttar Pradesh. A dedicated police team was dispatched to Kushinagar district, where they spent several days tracking his movements. Their efforts culminated in his arrest three days ago, and he was subsequently brought back to Vadodara for legal proceedings. Kankar is survived by a daughter, adding a layer of personal tragedy to the already grim narrative.
This incident raises serious questions about custodial safety and procedures, highlighting the need for stringent measures to prevent such occurrences in the future. The judicial inquiry and police investigation are expected to delve deeper into the factors that led to this unfortunate event, providing clarity and accountability in the days to come.
