Diamond merchant murder: Three more arrested
The Pant Nagar police have arrested three more persons on Tuesday in connection with the murder of Ghatkopar-based diamond merchant Rajeshwar Udani (57). Those arrested have been identified as Mahesh Prabhakar Bhoir (31), Shaista Khan alias Dolly (41) and Nikhat Mohammed Umar Khan alias Zara (20). With the fresh arrests, the number of accused has increased to six.
Police said the arrested trio had an active participation in planning and execution of Udani’s murder. The trio also helped to dump the body near Dehrang Dam in Panvel. Akhilesh Singh, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 7) said, “Mahesh and Nikhat were present in the car at the time of the incident, while Shaista was a part of conspiracy. Investigation has revealed Udani was honey-trapped, by using Nikhat as a bait.”
Police had earlier arrested former personal assistant of housing minister Sachin Pawar, suspended police constable and gym instructor Dinesh Pawar and driver Praneet Bhoir. During the investigation, Praneet revealed that his cousin, Mahesh, too was present in the car at the time of the incident. Mahesh, a resident of Vichumbe village in Panvel, was accompanying Dinesh and helped find a secluded spot to dump the body.
Shaista is a city-based beautician by profession and Nikhat is said to be her distant relative. Police are yet to identify their role and involvement in the crime. DCP Singh said, “We believe the accused had brought a cake from Vikhroli which was later smothered on Udani's face. We are still trying to trace the cake shop, from where the cake was purchased. Following this, Udani’s body was dumped in the bushes near Dehrang Dam.”
Meanwhile, the arrested accused, Dinesh Pawar and Praneet Bhoir, were produced at Vikhroli court on Tuesday. The duo was remanded in police custody till Friday. While giving the submission, public prosecutor said, “Udani's diamond ring, gold chain, a key-shaped pendant, mobile and wallet was missing along with cash worth Rs 42,250. The car in which he was taken is yet to be traced. The gravity of the offence is of serious nature and all of the accused have also tried to destroy the evidence."
While Dinesh's defence lawyer Shipra Khanna said she is yet to receive the relevant documents to take the case further, Praneet's defence lawyer advocate Samadhan Sulane said, "My client is an auto rickshaw driver and has a driving license of a three-wheeler. He was not present in the car at the time of the incident and is falsely framed in the case."