Goa Police open unnatural death probe into Nana Patekar’s passing

Veteran actor Nana Patekar died early Thursday morning after a reported cardiac arrest at his Goa residence. In the hours that followed, the focus shifted from grief to procedure: Goa Police registered a medico-legal “unnatural death” case to establish how a beloved screen presence passed away.

What the police case says

Goa Police registered the case under Section 194 of the BNSS, with PSI Nitin Naik conducting the inquiry. An entry in the case registered at Panjim states that the actor was “brought dead to the casualty from Ocean Park, Dona Paula.” Officers then visited the concerned ward at Manipal Hospital Bambolim and discussed the matter with the medical officer.

As part of the investigation, police plan to cover three standard steps:

• Hold an inquest into the circumstances surrounding the death
• Arrange a post-mortem examination at Goa Medical College
• Record statements from family members and other relevant persons

If the inquiry establishes that the death was due to natural causes, the case may be closed accordingly. If evidence of foul play or other suspicious circumstances emerges, further legal action may follow.

What doctors have said so far

Dr Shekhar Salkar, Chief of the Oncology Department at Manipal Hospital, told media that the medical team tried to revive the actor but he was brought dead. “It was a cardiac arrest, but we do not know the cause,” he said. The doctor also added that Patekar was a known cardiac patient and was on medication, “as far as we have been told.”

Doctors at Manipal Hospital reportedly administered CPR for around 45 minutes before Patekar was declared dead at 5:20 am.

Why a medico-legal case matters here

This is not an accusation. An unnatural death case is a routine safeguard when a death is sudden, unexpected, or not clearly explained. It protects the record by requiring an inquest and a medical opinion before the file is closed. For a public figure, it also means the cause of death will be established rather than assumed.

The post-mortem was reportedly conducted on Thursday morning, after which the actor’s mortal remains were released for last rites. Patekar was cremated with full state honours at his farmhouse in Donje in Pune district late Thursday night, and given a three-gun salute.

What comes next

Police will examine the circumstances and record statements from family and others who may have relevant information. Depending on the post-mortem report and the statement record, the case will either be closed as a natural death or move into further legal action. For fans, the immediate moment is one of mourning; the official process will catch up with the headlines.

Nana Patekar’s death is a loss that Hindi cinema will feel sharply. His performances carried a rare intensity, and the police inquiry is about giving that loss a clear, factual ending.

Source: The Times of India