Panaji: Panaji Police have registered an Unnatural Death (UD) case following the death of veteran actor Nana Patekar, who passed away at the age of 75 at his residence in Goa on Thursday, October 8. Further inquiry is underway, with Police Sub-Inspector Nitin Naik leading the investigation.
The actor was reportedly found unresponsive at his residence in Dona Paula and taken to Manipal Hospital in Bambolim, where he was declared brought dead. Initial reports attributed his death to a suspected cardiac arrest.
Why did Goa Police register a UD case?
The registration of an unnatural death case is a procedural step in investigating deaths that occur suddenly or under circumstances requiring official inquiry. In Patekar’s case, the police received information from the hospital after he was brought dead from his residence.
According to media reports, the case was registered under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which provides for police inquiries into certain deaths. The registration of such a case does not, by itself, establish that foul play was involved.
The police inquiry is intended to establish the circumstances surrounding the actor’s death. Further details are awaited as the investigation proceeds.
Hospital confirms medico-legal procedure
Dr Shekhar Salkar, chief of the oncology department at Manipal Hospital, told ANI that Patekar was brought to the hospital at around 4.20 am or 4.30 am.
The medical team attempted to revive him, but he could not be saved. The hospital subsequently informed the police as the case was treated as a medico-legal matter.
The procedure allows the authorities to document the circumstances of a death and conduct the necessary inquiry. In cases involving a person brought dead to a hospital, police notification and further examination may form part of the process.
The police investigation remains ongoing, and the final findings will depend on the outcome of the official inquiry.
Nana Patekar cremated with full state honours
Patekar’s last rites were performed with full state honours at his Donje farmhouse near Pune on Thursday night. His mortal remains were flown from Goa to Maharashtra on the same day.
Thousands of fans gathered at the farmhouse to pay their final respects to the veteran actor. Several prominent personalities from the film industry and public life also attended the funeral.
Patekar’s son, Malhar Patekar, spoke to the media after the last rites and reflected on his father’s legacy. He said that a person like Nana Saheb would continue to live on through his achievements and the values he stood for.
Malhar also spoke about carrying forward his father’s vision, describing his contributions as a lasting part of his legacy.
Family explains decision to hold last rites on Thursday
Explaining why the funeral was held late on Thursday, Malhar said the family had been in Goa and expected the mortal remains to reach their farmhouse in Pune earlier.
However, the transfer took longer than anticipated. Given that the tragedy had occurred early in the morning and considerable time had already passed, the family decided to proceed with the last rites that evening.
The funeral drew a large gathering of fans and well-wishers, reflecting the veteran actor’s longstanding popularity across Hindi and Marathi cinema.
Investigation continues
Nana Patekar’s death has prompted tributes from across the film industry and beyond. Known for his intense performances and distinctive screen presence, he enjoyed a career spanning several decades.
While initial reports pointed to a suspected cardiac arrest, Panaji Police have registered the UD case as part of the formal process to examine the circumstances of his death.
The inquiry is being led by PSI Nitin Naik. Further information is expected to emerge as the authorities complete the required procedures.