Gujarat police announced on Sunday that Navalsinh Chavda, a ‘tantrik’ arrested earlier this month for allegedly plotting a murder in Ahmedabad, died in police custody. Chavda had reportedly confessed to killing 12 people using sodium nitrite, a toxic chemical.
Chavda, a self-proclaimed ‘bhuvaji’ who claimed to possess supernatural powers, was arrested in the early hours of December 3 after his business partner tipped off the police. Chavda was detained by the Sarkhej police while he was on his way to carry out the crime. His remand was secured until December 10 for further investigation into his occult practices and possible involvement in human sacrifices.
However, on the morning of December 8, Chavda fell ill while in custody and was rushed to a nearby hospital. Despite efforts to revive him, doctors declared him dead upon arrival. A police official confirmed that Chavda’s death was due to natural causes.
During his interrogation, Chavda reportedly admitted to committing 12 murders, which he claimed were carried out through the ingestion of sodium nitrite, a chemical commonly used in dry cleaning. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Shivam Verma, Chavda would mix the chemical in water and make his victims consume it during occult rituals. The substance induces heart failure, leading to death within about 20 minutes.
The murders took place across several cities in Gujarat. Chavda allegedly killed one person in Ahmedabad, six in Surendranagar (including three members of his own family), three in Rajkot, and one each in Wankaner (Morbi district) and Anjar.
Police investigations revealed that Chavda procured the sodium nitrite from a laboratory in his hometown, Surendranagar. He lured victims by promising to solve their problems and increase their wealth through his mystical powers.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the full extent of Chavda’s activities and possible additional victims.
