Multiple unidentified deaths suspected due to heatstroke and starvation

Nagpur: A relentless heatwave sweeping Nagpur and the Vidarbha region has begun to exact a toll amidst multiple suspected heat-related deaths, while temperatures touched 47°C across parts of the region on opening day of ‘Nautapa' —traditionally the harshest stretch of summer.Nagpur clocked 46.5°C on Monday, ranking eighth among the hottest places globally. With nights offering little respite, authorities are probing a series of suspected heatstroke deaths across the city over past few days.In a 48-hour span, five unidentified men in the 33-55 age-group were found dead in Kapilnagar, Wathoda, Pachpaoli, Imamwada and Hudkeshwar police limits. The deceased were homeless or linked to the Government Beggars' Reception Centre. They were found unconscious in gardens, near roadsides and in open spaces, often wearing minimal clothing in an apparent attempt to cope with the oppressive heat.Doctors at Mayo Hospital declared all of them dead on arrival. Though autopsy reports are awaited, police and health officials suspect prolonged exposure to extreme heat, dehydration and starvation may have contributed to the deaths. Descriptions of the deceased have been circulated even as police attempt to establish their identities.