CrimeNews – Ranchi Restaurateur Found Dead as Jail Controversy Deepens
CrimeNews – A well-known restaurateur in Ranchi was discovered dead inside one of his business establishments in the Lalpur locality on Thursday, prompting a police investigation into what authorities suspect to be a case of suicide. The deceased, identified as 38-year-old Abhimanyu Bhatia, popularly known as Luv, was reportedly found after allegedly consuming a toxic substance. Officials confirmed that the body has been sent for a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.
Police officers in Ranchi said an inquiry has been launched and investigators are currently examining all possible circumstances surrounding the incident. As of now, no suicide note or clear reason behind the alleged act has been publicly disclosed. Authorities stated that further information is expected once forensic and medical reports are completed.
Investigation Continues in Lalpur Death Case
The sudden death of the restaurateur has shocked members of the local business community, where Bhatia was known for operating food establishments in the city. Law enforcement personnel visited the location soon after the incident was reported and began collecting evidence from the premises.
Officials familiar with the investigation said statements from people connected to the victim are also being recorded as part of the ongoing inquiry. Police have maintained that all aspects are being examined carefully before reaching any final conclusion regarding the circumstances that led to the death.
Political Attention Turns to Jail Allegations
At the same time, a separate controversy linked to Birsa Munda Central Jail has intensified political tensions in Jharkhand. The issue gained attention after allegations emerged regarding the reported sexual exploitation of a female inmate who was later found to be pregnant.
Leader of the Opposition in the Jharkhand Assembly, Babulal Marandi, strongly criticised prison authorities and accused senior officials of attempting to suppress evidence connected to the matter. In a statement shared on social media platform X, he described the allegations as deeply disturbing and called for immediate intervention by the state government.
Marandi alleged that the inmate had faced repeated exploitation while in custody and claimed there were efforts underway to conceal biological and forensic evidence. According to him, the victim was allegedly moved to undisclosed locations under the pretext of medical treatment.
Demand for Independent Inquiry Grows
The BJP leader further accused senior prison administration officials of shielding those responsible and obstructing a fair investigation. He urged Chief Minister Hemant Soren to take swift action, including the removal of the Inspector General of Prisons.
Marandi also appealed to national institutions, including the National Commission for Women and the National Human Rights Commission, to take urgent notice of the allegations. He said the matter had damaged the image of the state and required transparent legal scrutiny.
BJP Raises Questions Over Handling of Case
Adding to the controversy, BJP spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo claimed that serious irregularities had been uncovered inside the high-security jail facility. He alleged that attempts were made to influence medical findings connected to the inmate’s pregnancy.
Shahdeo further stated that confidence in an internal inquiry by prison authorities would remain low due to the seriousness of the accusations. He demanded a judicial investigation led by a sitting High Court judge to ensure impartiality and accountability.
The Jharkhand administration has not yet issued a detailed response addressing all the allegations raised by opposition leaders. Meanwhile, both the Lalpur death investigation and the prison controversy continue to attract significant public and political attention across the state.