Palghar, Maharashtra: Two police officers and an individual have been arrested in connection with the suicide of Jayprakash Chauhan, a Nalasopara-based builder. Chauhan left behind a suicide note directly blaming Police Constables Shyam Shinde and Rajesh Mahajan for harassing him, leading him to take the extreme step. The case has triggered serious concerns within the police department.
Chauhan was found hanging in his home on Tuesday. His suicide note named Shinde and Mahajan, alleging that they had loaned him ₹50 lakh and were pressuring him relentlessly for repayment, despite a substantial portion having already been paid back.
Based on the contents of the note, Achole Police arrested Shinde, Mahajan, and a third individual, Lala Lajpat, under Sections 108, 351(2), 352, and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for abetment to suicide. The three were produced in Vasai Sessions Court on Wednesday and remanded to police custody.
The Dispute
Police reports indicate that Chauhan was involved in a redevelopment project, Om Shri Darshan building in Samyukta Nagar, Nalasopara East. As part of the deal, Shinde had reportedly invested ₹50 lakh, with an agreement that the amount would be doubled and returned within a year. In addition, Shinde allegedly secured four flats in the project as collateral.
However, when construction delays occurred, Shinde, Mahajan, and intermediary Lajpat allegedly began threatening Chauhan for the remaining dues. Although Chauhan had already returned ₹32 lakh-₹22 lakh via bank transfers and ₹10 lakh in cash, the trio allegedly continued their pressure tactics. According to the victim’s family, Shinde threatened Chauhan saying, “That building is ours now. Vacate it, or we’ll frame you in false cases.”
Troubled Track Records
Both officers have long histories in the Vasai-Virar police jurisdiction and are no strangers to controversy. Shinde is currently posted with the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, while Mahajan serves in the Economic Offenses Wing. Unofficial sources suggest the two may also be partners in a Virar-based hotel, Vivanta.
In the past, both were transferred out of the region by former Superintendent of Police Manjunath Singe for alleged misconduct. However, they later returned to posts within the same area.
Further investigation is underway to determine the full extent of their involvement and any other connections to the case.
