High Court Intervention Unravels Murder in Mumbai Missing Case, Body Still Unfound
In a distressing case that highlights systemic delays in law enforcement, the Bombay High Court's intervention has led to the arrest of a murderer in the six-month-old disappearance of a 25-year-old youth from Kurla, Mumbai. The victim, Rahul Kharwar, remains missing, with his body yet to be recovered, casting a shadow over the investigation's progress.
Father's Relentless Struggle and Police Inaction
Yogendra Prasad, a 65-year-old daily wage labourer, endured a harrowing six-month ordeal searching for his son, Rahul, who vanished on July 24, 2025. Despite immediate efforts, including approaching the Vinoba Bhave Nagar police station and sending appeals to senior officials like the Mumbai Police Commissioner, Home Minister, and Chief Minister, Yogendra faced persistent inaction. A missing person's complaint was filed only late on July 25, after initial dismissals.
"I waited at the police station till 3 am, but no one even tried to call my son's phone," Yogendra recounted, highlighting the lack of urgency in the initial response. His repeated pleas went unheeded until December, when he filed a habeas corpus petition in the Bombay High Court with legal assistance, forcing a renewed investigation.
Technical Evidence Reveals Chilling Details
Following the court's directive in January, police launched a fresh probe, scrutinizing Rahul's call data records, mobile location, and bank transactions. Investigators uncovered that Rahul and his friend, Ankit Sahu, 20, were together on a bridge over the Mithi river between 7 pm and 7:30 pm on July 24. Shockingly, Rahul's phone remained active until the afternoon of July 25, with Rs 10,556 transferred via UPI around 1 pm that day—hours after his suspected death.
"What is more disturbing is that my son's phone was active for four to five hours after he was murdered. Had it been tracked, the crime could have been uncovered much earlier," Yogendra expressed to The Indian Express, underscoring the missed opportunities in the investigation.
Accused's Motive and Arrest
Ankit Sahu, initially questioned but released, later admitted to the crime under renewed scrutiny. Police revealed that Sahu, addicted to online gaming and burdened with debts of Rs 4-5 lakh, had previously stolen Rs 29,500 from Rahul's PhonePe account under false pretenses. Fearing exposure, Sahu allegedly lured Rahul to the bridge using a friend's phone, pushed him into the river, and then used Rahul's phone for UPI transactions post-mortem.
A murder case was registered on January 9, leading to Sahu's arrest and current judicial custody. Efforts to locate Rahul's body involve coordination with the BMC and NDRF, checking along the Mithi river and coastal areas for unclaimed remains, as confirmed by a senior IPS officer anonymously.
Background of the Victim and Family
Rahul, a school dropout working in housekeeping jobs, lived with his father in a modest 120 sq ft rented house in Kurla West. His mother passed away a decade ago, and Yogendra earns approximately Rs 12,000 monthly as a labourer. On the day of disappearance, Rahul had cooked dinner before stepping out after a call from Sahu around 7 pm, never to return.
This case underscores critical issues in police responsiveness and the vital role of judicial oversight in ensuring justice, as the search for closure continues amidst unresolved questions.
