**Nagpur:** The Hudkeshwar Police are facing growing scrutiny after an accused arrested in a fraud case allegedly consumed a poisonous substance while in police custody and later died during treatment. The incident has raised concerns about the safety measures followed while handling accused persons in custody.
The accused, **Amit Bhagat**, was reportedly arrested by a joint team of Yavatmal and Hudkeshwar police in connection with a financial fraud case. He was brought to the police station following his arrest. During the transfer-related procedure, Bhagat allegedly consumed a poisonous substance.
His health reportedly deteriorated soon after. Police immediately shifted him to a hospital, where doctors attempted to treat him. However, he could not survive and died during treatment.
## How Did the Poison Reach the Accused?
The circumstances surrounding the incident have become a major point of investigation.
Bhagat was facing allegations related to the misappropriation of around **₹5 lakh at a petrol pump in Kalamb, Yavatmal district**. While the process of handing him over was reportedly underway, he allegedly consumed rat poison.
The incident has prompted questions about how an accused under police supervision was able to obtain a poisonous substance. Investigators are also expected to examine whether proper security and monitoring procedures were followed.
## Magistrate Present During Post-Mortem
Since the death occurred in connection with police custody, the matter is being treated as sensitive. The post-mortem examination was conducted in the presence of a **Judicial Magistrate**, and the procedure was videographed.
The post-mortem findings, along with the investigation report, are expected to help establish the circumstances that led to Bhagat's death.
Officials may also decide the future course of the investigation after reviewing the available evidence. One of the key possibilities being discussed is whether the case should be investigated by the **Crime Branch or the Criminal Investigation Department (CID)**.
## Earlier Custodial Death Also Draws Attention
The latest incident has brought back attention to an earlier case involving a death in police custody.
Previously, **19-year-old Manojkumar Ramji Bhatia**, who was accused in a case registered under the POCSO Act, had allegedly died by suicide inside the lock-up at Jaripatka Police Station.
The occurrence of another serious incident involving an accused under police supervision has once again raised concerns about the monitoring and safety arrangements inside police stations.
Investigators will now have to examine several crucial questions: How did Bhagat get access to the poisonous substance? Was he being properly monitored at the time? Were the prescribed custody and safety protocols followed?
## CID Probe Could Decide the Next Course of Action
The Amit Bhagat case has placed the functioning of the Hudkeshwar Police under increased scrutiny. Any evidence of negligence or procedural lapses could lead to further investigation or administrative action.
For now, the post-mortem report, statements of the concerned personnel and other evidence will be important in determining exactly what happened before Bhagat consumed the poisonous substance.
The final findings of the investigation are expected to clarify whether there were any lapses in police custody and whether the matter warrants a **CID investigation**.