Severe backache may have triggered it

Investigations into the alleged suicide of Nikhil Khadse, 38, son of Eknath Khadse, who is the leader of the opposition in the state legislative assembly, have revealed that he was suffering from terrible back pains before he shot himself. Pratik Salunke reports.

Investigations into the alleged suicide of Nikhil Khadse, 38, son of Eknath Khadse, who is the leader of the opposition in the state legislative assembly, have revealed that he was suffering from terrible back pains before he shot himself.

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“Nikhil was suffering pain in his lumbar region for the past week. He was operated for slip disc around a year ago and he was to undergo another surgery,” S Jayakumar, superintendent of police, Jalgaon, told Hindustan Times. The police also ruled out any foul play. “We have not got any circumstantial evidence suggesting it was foul play,” he said.

Nikhil was operated on for back pains a year ago at a private hospital in the city. “After the surgery, he felt relief for around six months but his pain resurfaced. It was unbearable and he couldn’t even walk at times,” said RA Chandel, senior inspector at Muktainagar.

“At around 11pm, Nikhil was in tremendous pain and was seen lying on the floor. We are yet to record statements as the bereaved family is in no condition to talk,” said Chandel.

Nikhil shot himself in the right temple with his licensed Llama pistol at around 4.15pm on Wednesday. Bleeding profusely, he was taken to two different hospitals, where doctors pronounced him dead at 6.05pm. No suicide note was found.

Nikhil’s remains were cremated on Thursday in the presence of well-wishers and senior politicians.