90-Year-Old Woman Found Dead in Bhopal Under Suspicious Circumstances, Family Dispute Surfaces

The deceased has been identified as Avtaari Gond, a nonagenarian who had reportedly been living in makeshift conditions near the construction site where her son once worked as a security guard. The incident has triggered a preliminary investigation, with police confirming that they are treating the death as suspicious until further evidence is available.

Initial Murder Allegations Refuted by Police

Early reports circulating on social media and in the local community suggested foul play, with some even speculating that a family member may have played a direct role in the woman’s death. These claims, however, were swiftly addressed and denied by the police, who clarified that no such evidence had been found.

Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone-2), Mahaveer Singh Muzalde, stated that while the circumstances were certainly unusual, there was no immediate proof pointing to a violent crime. “The body has been sent for post-mortem, and only after the autopsy will we be able to determine the actual cause of death,” he told the press.

Living in Isolation Amidst Family Dispute

According to preliminary findings, Avtaari Gond was entangled in a long-standing family dispute concerning her care. Her son Jeet, who had been employed as a security guard at the same under-construction building, had allowed her to live nearby due to lack of space and family support.

Jeet's son, Kartik, and his wife reportedly refused to accommodate the elderly woman in their home. This domestic discord allegedly led to Avtaari living in isolation and difficult conditions at the edge of the construction site. Locals and neighbors were aware of her situation but said they believed the family had reached an internal agreement.

Police reports indicate that Avtaari had fallen multiple times in recent days, which may have contributed to her death. However, no formal medical treatment had been administered prior to the incident.

Cultural Practices Create Confusion at Scene

When Kartik discovered his grandmother's body on Sunday afternoon, he reportedly burned cow dung cakes near her body and covered her with a cloth. He later told police that this act was part of a traditional ritual performed in their community after someone passes away.

The ritualistic burning of cow dung initially added to the confusion and led some locals to suspect an attempt to obscure the cause of death. However, the police have so far found no evidence of deliberate tampering and have not registered a case of homicide.

Police Presence and Ongoing Investigation

Authorities reached the scene shortly after being notified. Forensic teams, along with senior officers, documented the site, and the body was transported to a government hospital for post-mortem late on Sunday night.

“The investigation is ongoing. We are collecting witness statements and family testimonies, but at this point, we are waiting for the medical report to draw any final conclusions,” ADCP Muzalde confirmed.

A Larger Issue of Elder Neglect?

While the exact cause of Avtaari’s death remains unconfirmed, the case has brought to light the broader issue of elder neglect and family abandonment, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas. Advocates for senior citizen welfare say such cases are far too common, though many go unreported.

Local authorities are also considering whether negligence charges could apply if the autopsy suggests that basic care or medical attention could have prevented her death.

As the community waits for clarity, the tragic case of Avtaari Gond stands as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities the elderly face when left unsupported—even within their own families.