Special Investigation Team to Probe Murder of Retired IAS Officer in Bhopal
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has ordered a SIT to investigate the murder of retired IAS officer Rakesh Agarwal in Bhopal, emphasizing accountability.
Bhopal, October 21 (Daily Kiran) : Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to ensure a thorough and timely investigation into the murder of retired IAS officer Rakesh Agarwal. This directive comes in response to the gravity of the situation, following Agarwal’s tragic death on September 30 in Bhopal.
Currently, the Bhopal police are handling the investigation. On Wednesday evening, officials from the Madhya Pradesh IAS Officers Association met with Yadav at his residence, Samtav Bhawan. They presented a memorandum demanding an impartial and timely investigation into Agarwal’s murder. The association expressed deep concern regarding the incident, highlighting the need for transparency between the administration and society. Among those who met with the Chief Minister were Association President and Additional Chief Secretary Manu Srivastava and IAS officer V.S. Chaudhary Kolasani.
Rakesh Agarwal, a 1982 batch officer from the Madhya Pradesh cadre, was found dead with his throat slit at his residence, Siddhshila, located in Suraj Nagar under the Ratibad police station area. His wife discovered the body after noticing the door to their room was locked from the outside.
Police have identified Varun Kumar, a 27-year-old caretaker and male nurse from Nabha in Punjab, as the main suspect. He was recently hired through a home healthcare agency and has been missing since the incident. Investigators have also found signs of an attempted arson at the residence, including cut LPG cylinder pipes. Despite a manhunt and a reward for information leading to his arrest, the suspect remains at large.
The Chief Minister’s directive to establish a SIT comes more than three weeks after the crime and follows the association’s call for a comprehensive and independent investigation. Officials stated that this move aims to bolster the ongoing inquiry by the Bhopal police and ensure accountability. Further details regarding the structure and scope of the SIT are expected to be announced soon.
