Former deputy sarpanch found dead in car; suicide suspected over relationship with dancer

The deceased has been identified as Govind Jagganath Barge, 34, a resident of Lukhamsala in Georai tehsil, Beed district.

PUNE: A former deputy Sarpanch was found dead inside a locked car on Tuesday morning in Sasur village, located in Barshi tehsil of Solapur district. Police suspect the man died by suicide, reportedly from a gunshot wound to the head.

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The deceased has been identified as Govind Jagganath Barge, 34, a resident of Lukhamsala in Georai tehsil, Beed district. According to police, Barge was involved in the land plotting business and had developed a relationship with a dancer associated with Kala Kendra in Solapur. The relationship had reportedly soured in recent weeks following a series of arguments, after which the woman had ceased communication with him.

Disturbed by the situation, Barge is believed to have visited the woman at her home in Sasur on Monday night. Following their meeting, he allegedly shot himself at point-blank range while sitting in his car, police said. “We received a call about a dead body inside a car. Our team rushed to the location and found the man had apparently died by suicide, having shot himself in the head,” said Ashok Saykar, Sub-Divisional Police Officer, Barshi.