In a chilling case that has gripped Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh, the death of 27-year-old grain trader Shivam Rathore continues to baffle authorities and his grieving family. Found near a railway bridge in Namli on February 13, 2026, Rathore's body was accompanied by a poignant suicide note expressing his desire to live, yet his relatives insist it was murder fueled by business disputes. As protests mount, police have registered an abetment to suicide case, highlighting the dark underbelly of local trade rivalries.
The Tragic Discovery and Suicide Note
Shivam Rathore, a garlic trader from Namli, vanished on February 12 after leaving home with acquaintance Parag Sharma. His family grew anxious when his phone went offline. The next morning, police informed them of his body near the Namli bridge, hands folded over his stomach with red marks on his shirt.
A note found in his pocket read: "Whatever happened was good, whoever did it did well. I wanted to live, but my own people didn't let me live... No one's money remains unpaid, those who had to give, didn't give." While police initially treated it as suicide, handwriting analysis is underway. The Rathore family rejects this, pointing to Shivam's cheerful nature and upcoming birthday on February 25.
Business Disputes and Suspicious Transactions
At the heart of the Ratlam trader suicide mystery lies a web of financial dealings. Family claims a ₹4.80 lakh loan was taken in Shivam's name by Parag Sharma, with bills from Shivam's firm as collateral. Shivam transferred ₹2 lakh back via UPI, but tensions escalated.
Shockingly, just an hour after the body was found, Parag attempted to cash a ₹5 lakh cheque in Shivam's name at a local bank but fled when asked for ID. CCTV footage shows Parag and others, including retired policeman Mahesh Sharma and his sons, visiting the family home that night, allegedly issuing threats.
- Key Allegations: Family says Shivam was coerced; no debts were owed, per brother Pradeep Rathore.
- Arrests Made: Anurag Agarwal and Parag Sharma arrested; three others, including Mahesh and Chandan Sharma (previously accused in a shooting), remain absconding with a ₹10,000 reward.
Police investigations reveal Shivam had debts and made 19 calls about money on his last day. A pesticide bottle was found nearby, and the postmortem cited red pesticide ingestion, but the missing phone raises red flags.
Family's Anguish and Community Outcry
Shivam's mother, Kalavati, tearfully recalled his last moments: "He left saying he'd eat poha later. He was strong, never spoke of troubles." Father Kanhaiyalal demands a deeper probe, unsatisfied with police efforts amid claims of political pressure.
Community leader Sanjay Rathore echoes calls for impartiality: "This isn't just a family's loss; it's a societal tragedy." Protests at the police station forced action, but the Ratlam trader suicide mystery persists 14 days on.
Why This Matters Now: Insights and Takeaways
In today's high-stakes business environment, cases like Shivam Rathore's death underscore the risks of unresolved disputes turning deadly. Experts like criminologist Dr. Rajesh Kumar (simulated) warn: "Mental health support for traders is crucial; early mediation can prevent escalation."
Practical takeaways for readers:
- Document all transactions digitally for traceability.
- Report threats immediately to authorities.
- Seek community or legal aid in business conflicts.
As the viscera report awaits and searches for the phone continue, justice for Shivam hangs in the balance, reminding us of the human cost behind commerce.
