Retired IAS Officer Rakesh Agrawal Murdered In Sleep In Bhopal; Caretaker Absconding

Retired IAS officer Rakesh Agrawal (70) was discovered dead at his residence in Suraj Nagar, Ratibadh, Bhopal on Wednesday morning. Police suspect his throat was slashed with a sharp weapon while he slept, with no signs of struggle evident. His wife, Nishi Agrawal, found him in a pool of blood after waking around 5.30 am.

Newly appointed caretaker Varun Kumar, a native of Nabha in Patiala, is absconding. Police suspect the murder occurred around 2 am and was motivated by robbery. Cash, jewellery and Agrawal's mobile phone are missing. CCTV footage captured Varun leaving the house around 15 minutes after the suspected time of death, walking towards Bhadbhada with a bag.

Police Commissioner Sanjay Kumar reached the scene as forensic teams examined the bungalow. Four police teams and the Crime Branch have been deployed to trace the suspect. Varun's mobile phone was last traced to the Kurwai-Bina Road area.