A jeweller in Rajasthan’s Pali district died during treatment after allegedly consuming poison following police questioning and threats, while his younger brother was hospitalised after a similar attempt.
The incident occurred in the Karamawas Patta area under Bagdi Nagar police station limits in Pali district. The deceased has been identified as Vinod Kumar alias Vardaram (24), who was engaged in a gold and silver business along with his younger brother Budharam (22).
According to family members, the deceased had online financial transactions with some accused persons in a jewellery shop theft case reported in Chennai. Based on this, he was subjected to questioning.
The family alleged that a police team from Chennai brought Vardaram to a local police station on April 21 and questioned him for several hours before releasing him late the same night.
The deceased’s wife, Kiran Devi, stated that the following day he was called by a jeweller and allegedly threatened with demands to hand over gold and with being implicated in a false case. She alleged that these threats caused severe mental distress.
Family members said Vardaram sent voice messages to his brother’s mobile phone before consuming poison, detailing the sequence of events. After hearing the messages, Budharam also allegedly consumed poison under stress.
Both were admitted in critical condition to AIIMS Jodhpur, where Vardaram died during treatment while Budharam remains under medical care.
Following the incident, family members and members of the local community staged a protest at the hospital, demanding an impartial investigation into the case.
They also alleged that threats of physical assault and property attachment were made during the questioning, which increased mental pressure.
Based on a complaint filed by the deceased’s wife, a case has been registered against several individuals, including the jeweller concerned, some personnel of the Chennai police, and other persons.
No official response has been issued by the police regarding the allegations so far. Investigating agencies are examining all aspects of the case.
Authorities are focusing on the procedures followed during questioning, the veracity of the alleged threats, voice messages and digital evidence, and financial transactions between the deceased and the accused.
