Why were police personnel suspended in the Nagendra Bhatia case?

Four police personnel were suspended for alleged dereliction of duty, including failure to perform mandatory checks and absence from duty, following the death of Nagendra Bhatia.

What are the allegations made by Nagendra Bhatia's family?

Nagendra Bhatia's family alleges that he was murdered in police custody, not that he committed suicide, and they are demanding a thorough investigation.

Home / Crime and Justice / Pocso Accused Dies in Police Custody

Pocso Accused Dies in Police Custody

Q: What happened to Nagendra Bhatia in the Jaripatka police station?

Nagendra Bhatia, a 19-year-old accused in a Pocso and kidnapping case, was found dead in the Jaripatka police station lock-up on January 22, 2026, reportedly by suicide.

23 Jan

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Summary

19-year-old accused in Pocso and kidnapping case died by suicide in lock-up.
Four police personnel suspended for dereliction of duty amid ongoing probe.
Deceased's family alleges murder, demands justice and investigation.

A 19-year-old individual, Nagendra Bhatia, accused in a Pocso and kidnapping case, was found dead in the Jaripatka police station lock-up on January 22, 2026. He had been apprehended in Prayagraj on January 18, 2026, and brought to Nagpur. Bhatia was arrested on January 20, 2026, after a medical examination confirmed rape allegations involving a 16-year-old girl.

The survivor alleged that Bhatia raped her after she met him on January 10, 2026, and subsequently took her to Prayagraj, where she stayed with him until January 18, 2026. Her brother had filed a kidnapping complaint on January 11, 2026.

Authorities reported that CCTV footage indicated Bhatia used a bedsheet to hang himself between 4:45 am and 5:00 am on January 22, 2026. The discovery of his body led to the suspension of four police personnel due to alleged dereliction of duty, including the absence of sentry guards and failure of the night duty officer to conduct mandatory checks.