A 40-year-old Regional Transport Office (RTO) agent died after allegedly setting himself on fire in front of the house of a man who had cheated him of ₹37 lakh, prompting police to register a case of abetment of suicide in Nashik city.
Money dispute led to extreme step
The deceased has been identified as Hemant Bhate, a resident of the Pathardi Phata area. According to a complaint filed by his father, Bhate had given ₹37 lakh to an acquaintance in 2018. Of the total amount, only around ₹4 lakh was returned, while the remaining sum was allegedly withheld despite repeated requests.
The complaint states that Bhate was under severe financial and mental pressure due to the prolonged dispute.
Incident outside accused’s house
On January 28, Bhate reportedly went to the accused person’s house near Dhatrak Phata at around 5 pm and set himself ablaze in front of the premises, allegedly to demand the return of his money. He sustained severe burn injuries to his chest, stomach, hands, and legs.
He was rushed to Nashik Civil Hospital, where he was admitted for treatment. Despite medical efforts, Bhate succumbed to his injuries late on Thursday night.
Police register abetment case
Initially, the Adgaon police registered a case of accidental death on Friday. However, based on a detailed complaint lodged by Bhate’s father, police on Saturday registered an FIR under Section 108 (abetment of suicide) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against the accused.
Police officials said investigations are ongoing. Bhate did not leave behind a suicide note. Notably, the accused named in the FIR is the same individual who reportedly took Bhate to the hospital after the incident.