A bitter dispute with wife over the custody of two young children reportedly drove a police head constable to take the extreme step of ending his life. The shocking incident came to light on Tuesday morning when his body was found floating in Ambazari Lake. The deceased, Shilratna Bhimrao Belekar (45), was a resident of Waghdara, Isasani, and was posted at Pratap Nagar Police Station. According to police sources, Belekar had been facing a serious family dispute with his wife for the past two months, mainly over the custody of their two children, who study in Std VIII and Std IV. The children were living with him, which reportedly led to frequent arguments. Police said Belekar had been absent from duty since February 19.

 

On Sunday afternoon, he visited his brother Ajay Bhimrao Belekar (49), a resident of Kamgar Colony. After spending some time there, he left the house and did not contact anyone afterward. Concerned over his disappearance, Ajay filed a missing person complaint at Pratap Nagar Police Station. Meanwhile, on Tuesday morning, citizens who came for a walk at Ambazari Lake spotted the body and informed the police. Ambazari Police rushed to the spot and found an identity card in the deceased’s pocket, which confirmed Belekar’s identity. Ajay was informed and he also identified the body. Police have registered a case of accidental death and further investigation is underway.