Ghatkopar Elderly Woman Murder Solved
In a significant breakthrough, the Mumbai Police has arrested a family member in connection with the brutal murder of a 65-year-old woman in Ghatkopar. The accused, identified as Mumtaz Irfan Khan (52), is the wife of the victim's stepson and allegedly committed the crime during a heated argument over property inheritance.
The Tragic Incident Unfolds
The victim, Shehnaz Kazi, had been living alone in her Ghatkopar residence since her husband's death in 2018. According to police officials, the murder occurred on Tuesday when Mumtaz visited Shehnaz to demand money and discuss property shares. Deputy Commissioner of Police Rakesh Ola revealed that Mumtaz had been concerned about not receiving a share of the property after hearing discussions among her husband's siblings.
During the confrontation, when Shehnaz refused to give money, Mumtaz allegedly pushed her in a fit of rage, causing the elderly woman to hit her head against a wall. Panicking, Mumtaz then used a rope to throttle Shehnaz, took some money from the premises, and fled the scene.
How the Crime Was Discovered
The murder came to light when concerned neighbors checked on Shehnaz after receiving calls from her siblings, who reported that she hadn't been answering her phone. The police investigation initially pointed toward an insider's involvement since Shehnaz was known to be cautious about allowing strangers into her home.
Officers examined CCTV footage from the building which showed a woman in a burqa leaving suspiciously. The suspect demonstrated awareness of being tracked by frequently changing autorickshaws and destinations, eventually getting off at a mall before taking another ride home to avoid detection.
The Investigation Breakthrough
Police traced one autorickshaw driver who confirmed dropping the suspect in Kurla. This location raised suspicions since one of the siblings involved in the property discussions resided in the same area. This crucial lead prompted investigators to question Mumtaz, who eventually confessed to her involvement during interrogation.
The investigation revealed that apart from the Ghatkopar flat where Shehnaz lived, the elderly woman owned two additional properties, making the inheritance particularly valuable. Mumtaz's fear of being excluded from the property distribution appears to have been the primary motive behind the tragic incident.
Mumbai Police has placed Mumtaz under formal arrest for murder, marking a swift resolution to a case that has shocked the Ghatkopar community and highlighted the distressing consequences of family disputes over property inheritance.
