Maharashtra Barber's Gruesome Plan to Become Sarpanch Ends in Daughter's Murder
In a shocking case that has sent ripples across two states, a 28-year-old barber from Maharashtra stands accused of murdering his own six-year-old daughter to become eligible for upcoming panchayat elections. The gruesome crime, which unfolded across state borders, has exposed the dark extremes some might go to for political ambition.
The Deadly Ambition Behind a Father's Crime
Pandurang Kondmangale, a resident of Kerur village in Maharashtra's Nanded district, appeared to be a devoted father to his three children - a three-year-old son and six-year-old twin daughters. Running a barbershop called Viraat Saloon in his village, few could have imagined the horrific plan brewing in his mind.
As Maharashtra began preparations for rural local body elections scheduled for June this year, Kondmangale developed political aspirations. He believed he had what it takes to become the sarpanch of his village. However, a significant legal hurdle stood in his way - Maharashtra's Panchayat Raj Act prohibits people with more than two children from contesting rural local body elections.
The Conspiracy That Crossed State Borders
Faced with this restriction, Kondmangale allegedly sought advice from the current village sarpanch, Ganesh Shinde. What followed was a chilling conspiracy between the two friends. According to Nizamabad Commissioner of Police Sau Chaitanya, "The two were friends, and they allegedly decided to get rid of one of his children, Prachi, the elder of the twins."
The men initially considered putting Prachi up for adoption, but realized this wouldn't solve their problem since she would still be registered as his child on her six-year-old birth certificate. Abandonment was also discussed, but they feared she might return to the village. Ultimately, they allegedly conspired to kill the child and make it appear as an accident.
The Fatal Trip to Telangana
Kondmangale allegedly took Prachi on what seemed like an innocent trip to neighboring Nizamabad district in Telangana. Crossing the border between Maharashtra and Telangana is common in the region, so no one suspected anything unusual. He transported the girl on his motorcycle to the Nizamsagar Canal, surrounded by agricultural fields.
"He allegedly pushed the girl into the water and fled the scene," Commissioner Chaitanya revealed. The canal waters claimed the life of the six-year-old who couldn't swim. Though villagers working nearby heard the splash and rushed to the spot within ten minutes, they could only retrieve Prachi's lifeless body floating in the water.
How the Investigation Unraveled the Crime
Local Telangana police were immediately alerted and recovered the body from the canal. Since the body was retrieved quickly and hadn't bloated, police were able to take clear photographs of the girl's face. These images were circulated widely on social media platforms, WhatsApp groups, and local newspapers as part of the investigation.
The breakthrough came when someone from Kondmangale's own village in Maharashtra recognized Prachi's photograph displayed as the profile picture on a police officer's WhatsApp number. This villager promptly alerted the Telangana police, who had already formed three special teams to investigate the murder.
The Father's Confession and Legal Consequences
One investigation team traveled to the Maharashtra village and confronted Kondmangale. Initially, he claimed his daughter was receiving treatment at a distant health center, but couldn't explain who was caring for her. When pressed further, he allegedly confessed to killing his own child.
Kondmangale has been booked under sections of murder and criminal conspiracy, while the current sarpanch Ganesh Shinde faces charges as a co-conspirator. Commissioner Chaitanya noted with sadness, "The child couldn't swim when she hit the water. Though the villagers reached the canal within 10 minutes, no one could save her life."
This tragic case highlights not only the extreme measures some might consider for political gain but also raises serious questions about election eligibility criteria and their unintended consequences. The investigation continues as authorities work to ensure justice for six-year-old Prachi, whose life was cut short by her own father's political ambitions.
