Kolhapur Police Discover Burnt Skeletal Remains During Search for Missing Former Sarpanch
A police team from Kolhapur district made a grim discovery in a forest near Patgaon village. They found burnt skeletal remains approximately 200 meters inside the wooded area. Officers were actively searching for Mahesh Pilankar, the village's former sarpanch, when they came across the disturbing scene.
Identity of Remains Still Unknown
Authorities cannot confirm whether the bones and ashes belong to a human or an animal. They have sent the remains for detailed forensic analysis. The police expect the laboratory report to provide crucial answers about the nature of these remains.
Details of the Missing Person Case
Mahesh Pilankar, aged 52, serves as a current panchayat member. He disappeared on January 7th. Police located his motorcycle about two kilometers from Patgaon village on Thursday morning. A cattle herder alerted authorities about the burnt skeleton inside the forest on Sunday.
Senior police officers, including Sub-Divisional Police Officer Ramdas Ingawale, visited the site for inspection that evening. Inspector Gorakh Choudhary of Bhudargad police station stated they are exploring multiple angles after speaking with relatives, friends, and villagers.
Police Investigation Progress
Investigators have detained three individuals whom Pilankar mentioned to family members before leaving home. Police have questioned more than one hundred people so far in connection with this case. They continue to work on all possible leads.
Background on the Missing Former Sarpanch
People close to Pilankar revealed he left home on Wednesday evening. He told family he was attending a party with friends. The panchayat member returned home briefly to collect curd before departing on his motorcycle.
Since Pilankar typically did not stay out late at night, relatives grew concerned when he failed to return. They began searching for him and eventually informed the police. His father was a locally known figure, and Pilankar followed his footsteps into politics, serving a term as sarpanch.
Pilankar's wife and sons currently reside in Kolhapur for educational purposes. The former sarpanch maintained a cashew farm and traded in forest herbs. He also worked in wood auctioning and rented his SUV to tourists visiting Rangana fort.
Possible Sightings and Location Details
Some sources reported Pilankar was spotted at a petrol pump in his black four-wheeler during the afternoon. CCTV footage allegedly showed three vehicles chasing his SUV. Patgaon village sits 85 kilometers from Kolhapur city within the Bhudargad forest range. The area is commonly known as the 'honey village' due to local apiculture activities.
