A suspended police sub-inspector arrested in connection with the death of Ellora-based teacher Suresh Borse was granted bail on Wednesday, less than 24 hours after his arrest, in a case that has triggered widespread public outrage in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district.
Eknath Nagargoje, formerly posted at Vaijapur police station, was arrested late on Tuesday after investigators allegedly found evidence linking him to the events that led to Borse’s death. He was produced before a local court on Wednesday. While police sought his custody for further interrogation, the court granted magisterial custody instead. Nagargoje’s legal team subsequently filed a bail application, which was accepted, leading to his release later the same day.
The arrest marks the first action against a serving police officer in the case. Earlier this week, Nagargoje and police constable Mahesh Banage were suspended following a departmental inquiry ordered by district police chief Prakash Jadhav.
According to police, investigators have so far recorded statements from 23 individuals, including Borse’s family members, neighbours, and other witnesses. Officials said witness testimonies and evidence gathered during the probe established Nagargoje’s role in the incident, prompting his arrest.
The case concerns the death of 54-year-old Suresh Rupchand Borse, a teacher at the Zilla Parishad Central Primary School in Ellora and a district office-bearer of a teachers’ association. Borse allegedly died after being assaulted during a late-night operation conducted by a police team and several civilians who had accompanied them while searching for a fugitive accused.
Police had previously arrested five civilians and detained a minor in connection with the case. All five accused were granted bail within 24 hours of their arrest, while the juvenile was produced before the Child Welfare Committee and sent to a juvenile home.
As the investigation progressed, police expanded the charges in the case. Initially registered under provisions related to causing death by negligence and assault under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the case now includes additional sections concerning unlawful actions and other offences based on emerging evidence.
Authorities have not publicly disclosed the exact findings that led to Nagargoje’s arrest. However, officials maintain that the investigation is ongoing and more witness statements are being collected.
The death of Borse sparked large-scale protests in Ellora, with thousands of residents, teachers, and activists demanding strict action against both the police personnel and civilians allegedly involved. Protesters staged road blockades and called for a transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the teacher’s death.Police officials have said further inquiries are underway and additional legal action may follow as investigators continue to examine the events that resulted in Borse’s death.
