A self-proclaimed tantric, Nawalsinh Chavda, who was in police custody for allegedly committing 12 murders over 13 years, passed away on Sunday under mysterious circumstances during police remand. The case has triggered outrage and calls for a judicial investigation.
Chavda, who was arrested by Sarkhej police, had reportedly confessed to murdering 12 individuals, including his mother, grandmother, and uncle. The victims were poisoned with sodium nitrite, a chemical commonly used in painting and finishing work. Chavda would allegedly mix the substance into water or liquor, causing fatal heart attacks within minutes.
As per the police, Chavda during questioning revealed that he had acquired sodium nitrate from a laboratory in Surendranagar and carried out occult rituals at a shrine in Surendranagar. Police also found that Chavda had three children and led a double life as a family man and a feared tantrik.
Sudden death in lockup
On the morning of December 8, Chavda reportedly fell ill in police custody. He vomitted and collapsed, prompting officers to rush him to the hospital. Despite receiving immediate medical attention, Chavda was pronounced dead. Police have initiated postmortem procedures to determine the cause of death.
Given the custodial nature of the death, a judicial inquiry has been ordered. Shivam Varma, DCP of Zone 7, stated, “We are conducting a transparent investigation into the circumstances of his death. The postmortem report will guide further action.”
Prior to his death, Chavda had been taken to his shrine in Wadhwan for evidence collection. Statements were also recorded from shopkeepers who sold him sodium nitrate. The police were probing the possibility of additional accomplices in the murders.
Chavda’s confessions revealed a horrifying pattern of manipulation and murder under the guise of occult rituals. Sodium nitrate poisoning would initially mimic a natural death, complicating police investigations.
Details about the case
On December 2, the Sarkhej police team, with the assistance of the Local Crime Branch (LCB) of Zone-7, prevented what could have been a chilling case of human sacrifice and fraud. Acting on a tip-off, the police saved a man’s life and arrested the accused, who posed as a tantric and exploited superstitious beliefs for financial gain.
As per the case, Jigar Bhanubhai Gohil, a resident of Krishna Kunj Society in Ahmedabad, approached Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone-7) Shivam Varma claiming a man named Abhi Rajput was lured into a trap by Nawalsinh Chavda, a self-proclaimed tantric.
Chavda had promised Abhi miraculous financial gains, claiming he could turn one rupee into four using occult practices. On December 1, 2024, Abhi was summoned to Sanathal, where he was supposed to be served a drink laced with a poisonous substance. Chavda’s sinister plan involved causing Abhi’s death through a heart attack or an accident, after which he would steal the victim’s money.
When Gohil informed the police about the potential danger, Sarkhej Police Inspector R K Dhulia and his team sprang into action. Through human intelligence and efficient teamwork, the officers tracked down both the victim and the accused within hours.
Abhi Rajput was rescued unharmed, and the accused was apprehended before he could execute his sinister plan.