Suspended woman constable attempts suicide, levels allegations against Bhavnagar DySP

A suspended woman police constable allegedly attempted suicide by consuming poison at a guesthouse on Salangpur Road in Botad on Monday, triggering high drama and renewed scrutiny of internal processes within the Gujarat police. The constable, Nayana Baraiya, is undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Botad and remains in critical condition, hospital sources said.

Shortly before the alleged suicide attempt, Baraiya uploaded a video on social media in which she made allegations against Bhavnagar DySP Reema Zala, accusing her of harassment and misuse of authority.

Claims made in social media video

In the video, Baraiya alleged that she had been deliberately implicated in multiple criminal cases and accused DySP Zala of “destroying her home”. She claimed that five separate offences had been registered against her despite, she said, her having no involvement in any of them.

Baraiya also alleged violations of procedure during her arrest. She claimed that no woman police officer accompanied her and that she was denied permission to use a washroom during a 350-km transit journey, despite repeated requests.

She further questioned the conduct of the investigation, alleging mental harassment and selective action by the investigating officer.

Events leading to suspension and arrest

The allegations arise from an earlier case in which Baraiya was suspended for allegedly providing shelter to an absconding accused in an atrocities case. Police had been searching for the accused, identified as Parth Dinesh Dhandhalya, who was later found at Baraiya’s residence, according to police records.

Following the recovery of the accused, Baraiya was suspended from service and subsequently arrested and remanded to judicial custody. She was granted bail on February 10.

In her video statement, Baraiya alleged that the accused had initially been questioned and allowed to leave, and was later arrested from her residence. She maintained that she was not present at home at the time of the arrest and said CCTV footage supported her claim.

She also alleged that additional cases were registered against her during and after her imprisonment without due procedure.

DySP rejects allegations

Responding to the allegations, DySP Reema Zala denied all claims made by Baraiya. She stated that the investigation was conducted in accordance with due legal procedure and that action was taken only after the accused was found at Baraiya’s residence.

Zala further alleged that Baraiya was attempting to exert pressure on the police and garner sympathy by making allegations against the investigating officer. She described the claims as baseless and aimed at deflecting attention from the charges she is facing.

Fifth case filed, police say

Meanwhile, police confirmed that a fifth case has recently been registered against Baraiya. According to police sources, the complaint was filed by the wife of a man who is alleged to have had a personal relationship with the suspended constable.

The complainant has accused Baraiya of issuing threats. Police said digital evidence, including screenshots and screen recordings, has been submitted along with the complaint and is being examined.

Investigation ongoing

The incident has sparked wider debate over internal accountability, investigative conduct and safeguards within the police force. Authorities said inquiries are continuing into both the allegations made by Baraiya and the circumstances surrounding the alleged suicide attempt.