Nagpur Hotel Murder Case: ASI Suspended for Negligence in Fetri Incident
In a significant development in the murder of a 21-year-old woman at a hotel in Fetri under Kalmeshwar police jurisdiction last week, an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) serving as the area beat officer has been suspended for alleged dereliction of duty. This action underscores the authorities' commitment to accountability in law enforcement.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The victim, identified as Ruchita Bhange, a final-year BA student from Borgaon in Nagpur, was brutally stabbed to death at the hotel. The prime suspect is her jilted lover, 25-year-old Saurabh alias Bittu Jamgade from Ashti. According to police reports, the couple had checked into the hotel amidst ongoing relationship disputes, which escalated into a heated altercation.
During the confrontation, the accused allegedly stabbed Ruchita in the neck, resulting in her instant death. Authorities swiftly responded to the scene, where they recovered a knife as key evidence. The swift arrest of Jamgade, along with a friend who allegedly assisted him, has been a crucial step in the investigation.
Licence Lapse and Police Negligence
Investigations into the case revealed a shocking oversight: the hotel's operating licence had expired, yet it continued to function without interruption. The beat officer, whose responsibilities include monitoring such establishments, failed to enforce compliance or halt operations despite this lapse. This negligence has raised serious questions about preventive policing measures in the area.
Following the murder, the hotel management has been named as a co-accused for allegedly facilitating the crime by running the establishment illegally. This highlights the broader implications of regulatory failures in preventing such tragedies.
Accountability and Ongoing Probe
Police sources have stated that the ASI's suspension is aimed at ensuring accountability and reinforcing the importance of diligent oversight in law enforcement. The Kalmeshwar police are continuing their probe, with a focus on understanding how the expired licence went unchecked and whether there were other systemic failures involved.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the critical role that beat officers play in maintaining public safety and the consequences of lapses in duty. As the investigation progresses, authorities are expected to implement stricter checks to prevent similar incidents in the future.