Pune Man Arrested for Allegedly Hacking Wife to Death Over Gold Jewellery Dispute
In a shocking incident that has sent ripples through the community, Pune city police have arrested a man for allegedly hacking his wife to death over a personal dispute on Thursday night. The tragic event unfolded near Jogeshwari High School in Wadebolai, highlighting the grim realities of domestic conflicts.
Details of the Incident and Arrest
The deceased has been identified as Namrata Shailendra Vhatkar, a 19-year-old woman. Her husband, Shailendra Prakash Vhatkar, aged 30 and a resident of Bakori, was booked under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to murder. The arrest was made following a swift investigation by the Lonikand police station.
According to the first information report (FIR) lodged by Shahrukh Dastagir Pathan, a 23-year-old resident of Wadebolai, the couple had been married for approximately two years. However, their relationship took a turn for the worse around six months ago when Namrata came into contact with Pathan while working together at a private food products company in Bakori.
Escalation of Disputes and Separation
Upon learning about their acquaintance, Shailendra allegedly began quarreling with Namrata, leading to escalating disputes. As tensions mounted, Namrata decided to leave her husband and had been residing with Pathan for the past two months, as detailed in the FIR. This separation set the stage for the tragic events that followed.
A key point of contention was Namrata's gold jewellery, which was reportedly in her husband's possession. She had been persistently demanding its return, a demand that may have fueled the fatal confrontation.
The Fatal Attack and Police Response
On Thursday evening, around 9:30 PM, Shailendra allegedly attacked Namrata with a sharp weapon near Jogeshwari High School in Wadebolai. The attack proved fatal, and she died on the spot, according to police statements. Senior police inspector Sarjerao Kumbhar provided insights into the case, noting that the deceased was not currently working with the complainant and had separated from her husband.
Kumbhar confirmed, "We have arrested him. A court has remanded the accused to police custody till January 27 for further investigation." The investigation is being led by police inspector Swati Khedkar, who is diligently working to uncover all aspects of this distressing case.
Broader Implications and Community Impact
This incident underscores the severe consequences of domestic disputes and the importance of addressing such conflicts through legal and peaceful means. The use of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita in this case highlights the evolving legal framework in India for handling serious crimes.
As the investigation continues, the community in Pune remains in shock, reflecting on the need for greater awareness and support systems to prevent such tragedies. The police's prompt action in arresting the accused and securing custody for further probe is a step towards justice for the victim.
