CHANDRAPUR: Nearly three years after a head constable’s death was treated as accidental, Chandrapur police have reopened the case as a premeditated murder, arresting his daughter—now a police trainee—and three others, including her estranged partner who turned whistleblower.
The victim, head constable Jayant Ballawar, collapsed on duty near the collectorate and was declared dead at the Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandrapur, on March 25, 2023. No foul play was suspected at the time.
Investigators now allege that Ballawar’s daughter, Arya, laced a milkshake with poison and gave it to him shortly before he left for duty.
The breakthrough came after fresh evidence was submitted by Ashish Shedmade, Arya’s estranged partner, prompting Ramnagar police to re-examine the case. According to police, Arya and Ashish had been in a relationship since 2022, which Ballawar opposed, leading to frequent disputes.
Police allege Arya viewed her father as an obstacle to their relationship and conspired with Ashish and others to eliminate him. Poison was allegedly procured through a minor and delivered to Arya via an intermediary, identified as Gedam, for ₹5,000.
On the day of the incident, Ballawar complained of dizziness at work after consuming the drink and collapsed. A subsequent review of the autopsy and chemical analysis after the case was reopened confirmed poisoning, while witness statements pointed to a planned act.
Sources said neither Arya nor Ashish was in the police force at the time. Ashish later joined but was dismissed months ago over misconduct. Arya secured a police job on compassionate grounds following her father’s death and is currently undergoing training.
Police said the case unravelled after a fallout between the two, following which Ashish approached authorities and disclosed details of the alleged plot.
A case has been registered on the complaint of PSI Krishna Darade. The investigation is being led by PSI Ashwini Wakade under the supervision of police inspector Asif Raja Sheikh.
