Navi Mumbai ASI dies by suicide, note names senior officers; family protests

An assistant sub-inspector in Navi Mumbai died by suicide after leaving an eight-page letter and a video. The alleged note naming senior officers has triggered protests by relatives as police continue their inquiry.

In Short

• Assistant sub-inspector P N Patil died by suicide in Rabale
• Police said an eight-page letter and a video were found
• The purported note reportedly mentioned DCP, ACP and a head constable

An assistant sub-inspector (ASI) of the Navi Mumbai Police allegedly died by suicide in the Rabale area, triggering unrest among his relatives and villagers and raising questions over the circumstances surrounding his death.

The deceased officer has been identified as ASI P N Patil. According to preliminary information, Patil allegedly wrote an eight-page note in his private car and recorded a video before taking the extreme step. The incident reportedly occurred during the Dahi Handi celebrations.

A purported suicide note recovered from the spot is said to contain the names of some police officials. The names mentioned in the preliminary account include then-DCP Sanjay Kumar Patil, Wireless ACP Girish Thackeray and establishment department head constable Jaywant Ahire.

However, the allegations, if any, contained in the purported note have not been independently established and are expected to be examined as part of the police investigation.

Following the death, Patil’s relatives and villagers gathered at the Rabale MIDC police station and staged a protest. The protesters also reportedly blocked a road, demanding strict action against those responsible and seeking access to the complete letter allegedly left behind by the officer.

The family has alleged that the police are not willing to show them the entire letter and expressed apprehension that the matter could be diverted from the issues raised by Patil.

The protest intensified as Shiv Sena leaders also reached the police station. Relatives and villagers, who are based in the Airoli area of Navi Mumbai, continued their agitation, demanding answers over what may have led to the officer’s death.

The incident has sparked discussions within the police force about whether Patil had faced pressure from senior officials. However, there is currently no official confirmation linking any individual to his death.

Police officials have so far declined to share details of the case. An investigation is underway, and the circumstances surrounding Patil’s death and the contents and authenticity of the purported note will be established through the probe.

- Ends