Vishal Gawali, Accused in Kalyan Rape-Murder Case, Dies by Suicide in Jail

The 31-year-old undertrial was found hanging in Taloja Central Jail, with a diary revealing his mental distress and claims of innocence.

Vishal Gawali, accused of the kidnapping, rape, and murder of a 13-year-old girl in Kalyan in December 2024, was found dead by suicide in Taloja Central Jail early Sunday morning.
A diary recovered from Gawali's cell revealed he was suffering from depression, citing emotional distancing from his wife as a contributing factor to his mental state.
Gawali's wife, also implicated in the crime for aiding in the disposal of the victim's body, remains in custody at Byculla Jail.
The case had previously triggered widespread public outrage, prompting preventive measures by Thane police, including the externment of Gawali’s brothers to prevent unrest.
Authorities have launched investigations into the circumstances of Gawali's death, with an Accidental Death Report filed and the body sent for post-mortem examination.