Mungeli । In a significant development in the coal trader suicide case, police under the direction of SP Bhojram Patel have arrested four accused individuals for abetment of suicide and sent them to judicial custody. The case pertains to the death of Narendra Kumar Kaushik (50), a resident of Arya Colony, Tifra, under Sirgitti Police Station in Bilaspur district, Chhattisgarh. A registered Marg (unnatural death) case from Sarkanda police station was transferred to Sargaon police station on 27 November 2024 as numbered Marg No. 63/2024 under Section 194 B.N.S.S.

Background and Business Details
Kaushik operated a coal depot named Amisha Traders on Khapri Road, Sargaon, and was also involved in the transportation business. He partnered in the coal business with Sanjay Bhatt, Rajesh Kotwani, Devendra Upveja, and Suraj Pradhan. Official power of attorney documents had been executed to formalize these business arrangements.

Suicide Note and Circumstances
On 26 November 2024, Kaushik consumed poison at his depot and sent a suicide note via mobile phone to his family and colleagues. Upon receiving the message, his family and associates found him in an inebriated state inside his Brezza car near Angrezi Bhatti Road in Sargaon. He was rushed to Apollo Hospital in Bilaspur, where he later passed away during treatment.

Investigation Findings
Based on statements from Kaushik’s family and associates, along with mobile call records analyzed by the cyber cell, the police found sustained communication between the deceased and the accused. The accused were allegedly responsible for business losses and created distressing conditions that drove Kaushik to suicide. He was reportedly excluded from critical business information and decisions.

Rs 33 Crore Loss Allegation
The accused allegedly misappropriated around 1,100 tons of coal and two loader vehicles from the Amisha Traders depot without informing Kaushik. Financial discrepancies from 2022-23 (Rs 43 crore turnover) and 2023-24 (Rs 10 crore turnover) indicated that Kaushik suffered a loss of approximately Rs 33 crore due to their actions, which ultimately led to his suicide.

Legal Action Taken
A formal case (Crime No. 195/2024) has been registered against the accused under Sections 108 and 3(5) of the B.N.S. Following interrogation, the accused confessed to their involvement. Police have also seized bank documents and firm-related records, including the two loader vehicles.

Arrested Individuals:

1. Rajesh Kotwani (48) – Ward No. 03, Om Garden, Nehru Nagar, Bilaspur


2. Devendra Singh Upveja (54) – Ward No. 19, Juni Line, Bilaspur


3. Suraj Pradhan (34) – Ward No. 05, Durganagar, Lighiyadih, Bilaspur


4. Sanjay Bhatt (53) – Ward No. 19, Andhiyari Path, Akaltara, Janjgir-Champa district

They were arrested on 16 April 2025 and sent to judicial remand.

Key Officers Involved:
The investigation and arrest operation was led by Sub-Inspector Santosh Sharma (Sargaon SHO), with support from Assistant Sub-Inspector Ajay Chaurasia, Head Constable Jai Dubey, and Constables Suraj Dhuri, Ripin Banerjee, and Ramu Nishad.