Gwalior Engineer Dies by Suicide Amid POCSO Case; Family Alleges Extortion Pressure

Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh:

A 26-year-old engineer, Lovjeet Singh Rana, died by suicide in Gwalior after allegedly facing prolonged mental distress linked to a criminal case registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, according to family members. The incident has sparked concern over the psychological and professional impact of serious criminal allegations and the claims of financial pressure surrounding the case.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Deceased: Lovjeet Singh Rana (26), BTech graduate
• Location: Gola Ka Mandir area, Gwalior
• FIR registered in April 2025 at Dabra City police station
• Case invoked: POCSO Act (rape allegation involving a minor)
• Family alleges ₹60 lakh extortion demand, ₹30 lakh already paid
• Police investigation ongoing; no official statement yet

Why This News Matters

This case highlights the human cost of legal processes, especially in serious criminal allegations where investigations are prolonged and social stigma is severe. It also raises questions about alleged misuse of legal pressure and financial coercion, which, if proven, could amount to criminal extortion.

Timeline: What Led to the Incident

• April 2025: An FIR under the POCSO Act is registered against Lovjeet Singh Rana at Dabra City police station.
• Post-FIR period: According to the family, Lovjeet loses his job at a multinational company and begins showing signs of depression.
• Following months: Family claims repeated demands were made to “settle” the case, amounting to ₹60 lakh.
• Late May 2025: Lovjeet allegedly consumes poison at his uncle’s residence in Gwalior.
• Hospitalisation: He is rushed to hospital but declared dead.
• After death: Police conduct a post-mortem and initiate an inquiry into the circumstances.

Impact: Career, Mental Health, and Family

Lovjeet was reportedly a Class 10 and 12 topper and a BTech graduate employed with an MNC. His family says the FIR led to:

• Loss of employment
• Financial strain
• Social isolation
• Severe mental distress

Mental health experts have repeatedly pointed out that individuals accused in serious criminal cases often face irreversible social and professional damage, even before trials conclude.

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Allegations of Extortion: What the Family Claims

According to family members quoted in Dainik Bhaskar English:

• The child’s mother and intermediaries allegedly demanded ₹60 lakh to withdraw or “settle” the case.
• Around ₹30 lakh was allegedly already paid.
• Continued demands and alleged threats added to Lovjeet’s distress.

Important: These are family allegations. No police confirmation or court findings on extortion have been made public yet.

Police Response and Investigation

• Gola Ka Mandir police have sent the body for post-mortem examination.
• An inquiry is underway into both the suicide and the surrounding circumstances.
• As of now, no official police statement has confirmed or denied the extortion claims.

Legal Context: Understanding POCSO and Its Consequences

The POCSO Act is designed to protect minors from sexual offences and mandates strict procedures:

• FIR registration leads to immediate legal scrutiny
• Accused individuals often face arrest, employment termination, and public stigma
• Trials can take years to conclude

Courts have previously observed that false accusations or threats of criminal cases for coercion, if established, may attract serious penal consequences, including charges of extortion and abetment of suicide.

Comparison: Similar Cases in the Past

Across India, several cases have surfaced where individuals accused in serious criminal matters died by suicide while investigations were ongoing. Courts have repeatedly emphasised:

• The need for fair investigation
• Protection against coercive settlements
• Sensitivity toward mental health impacts during legal proceedings

However, each case must be evaluated strictly on evidence.

Data Snapshot

• India records over 2 lakh POCSO cases annually (NCRB data).
• Conviction rates remain significantly lower than FIR registrations.
• Legal experts note prolonged trials and social stigma as major stress factors for the accused.

The News Drill Analysis

This case underscores a critical gap between legal safeguards and human consequences. While laws like POCSO are essential to protect children, allegations of coercion, if true, demand equal scrutiny.At the same time, no allegation whether of sexual offence or extortion should be presumed true without investigation and judicial determination.

The focus must remain on:

• Evidence-based investigation
• Due process
• Mental health safeguards
• Accountability for misuse of law, if proven

What Happens Next

• Police inquiry findings are awaited
• Any confirmation of extortion claims could lead to separate criminal proceedings
• The News Drill will update this story once official statements or court records become available