Key Accused Arrested in Tamhini Ghat Murder Case
Police have made a significant breakthrough in the Tamhini Ghat murder case. They arrested the absconding key accused, Prajwal Hambir, while he was traveling from Solapur towards Pune. This arrest follows the earlier detention of two other individuals linked to the crime.
Discovery of the Crime
Raigad police discovered the victim's body on January 11. The body showed signs of assault with lethal weapons. It was dumped along Tamhini ghat, within the jurisdiction of the Mangaon police station. Initially, the victim remained unidentified.
Identification and Initial Arrests
Using technical expertise, police identified the murder victim as a resident of Pune. They coordinated with Pune police to swiftly act on this information. Within eight hours, two accused were arrested from Pune. The police named them as Aniket Waghmare, aged 26, and Tushar Patole, aged 24.
The victim was later identified as Aditya Ganesh Bhagat, a 22-year-old man. This identification provided crucial leads in the investigation.
Arrest of the Key Accused
The key accused, Prajwal Hambir, managed to evade capture initially. He escaped in a multi-utility vehicle (MUV) that belonged to a relative of the victim. Police tracked this vehicle and zeroed in on it. Their efforts led to Hambir's arrest while he was en route from Solapur to Pune.
Motive Behind the Murder
Investigations revealed that the victim and the three accused were traveling to Mahabaleshwar for a weekend picnic. During the journey, a verbal spat erupted among them. The argument centered on contributions for an investment in a property that one of the accused intended to purchase.
Authorities believe the quarrel likely intensified after a liquor session. This escalation resulted in the three accused killing the victim. Senior Inspector Nivrutti Borhade of Mangaon police station provided these details, highlighting the sequence of events.
Police Statements
Anchal Dalal, the Superintendent of Police for Raigad, confirmed the victim's identity and the arrests. The coordinated efforts between Raigad and Pune police were instrumental in solving the case quickly. The use of technical tools played a key role in tracing the accused and understanding the crime's circumstances.
This case underscores the effectiveness of inter-district police cooperation in tackling serious crimes. The arrests bring some closure to a tragic incident that shocked the local community.