Navi Mumbai Police Constable Arrested for Alleged Murder in Love Triangle
A shocking case has emerged from Navi Mumbai, where a police constable has been arrested for allegedly murdering a friend in a dispute over a romantic relationship. The incident, which involved a gruesome cover-up spanning 190 kilometers, has sent ripples through the local community and law enforcement circles.
Details of the Crime and Arrest
The accused, identified as Bandu Bhise (49), a married constable attached to the Rabale MIDC police station in Navi Mumbai, is alleged to have strangled his friend, Somnath Bobade (30), to death. According to police reports, Bhise was involved with a woman, and the conflict arose when Bobade began seeing the same woman. The murder took place in Kalamboli, Navi Mumbai, with Bhise allegedly enlisting the help of three accomplices: Vijay Pawar (36), Kiran Gaikwad (27), and Srinivas Lone (25).
Police investigations reveal that Bhise and his aides lured Bobade to a meeting under the pretext of resolving their dispute. However, upon Bobade's arrival, the four allegedly strangled him with a rope inside Bhise's car. In a bid to evade detection, they then drove approximately 190 kilometers to Sukhed village in Satara district. There, they set the body on fire and dumped it in a farm's well.
Investigation and Breakthrough
The crime came to light on February 6 when the farm owner in Sukhed village discovered the partially burnt body and alerted the authorities. Satara Superintendent of Police Tushar Doshi confirmed that the legs of the victim were tied with a rope, and the autopsy report indicated death by strangulation, leading to the registration of a murder case.
Shivaji Jaypatre, assistant inspector at Lonand police station, detailed the intensive investigation led by inspector Arun Deokar. Teams from the local crime branch and Lonand police station scoured footage from around 300 CCTV cameras along the route to Pune over three days. They questioned the owners of about 15 vehicles before zeroing in on Bhise's car, which was captured on camera at the Khed-Shivapur toll plaza in Pune district while returning to Mumbai in the early hours of February 6.
The car was registered with the Pune Regional Transport Office, enabling police to trace its owner, Bhise, to Kalamboli by February 9. During interrogation, Bhise initially provided evasive answers but later confessed to the murder, revealing the identities of the victim and his accomplices. Two of the aides were apprehended in Pune, and the third was nabbed in Phaltan, Satara.
Background of the Individuals Involved
Deokar provided further context, stating that the victim, Somnath Bobade, was unmarried and worked as a cab driver, residing in Roadpali, Kalamboli. The woman at the center of the dispute is reported to be estranged from her husband, adding complexity to the personal dynamics that led to the tragic incident.
This case underscores the severe consequences of personal conflicts escalating into violence, even among those sworn to uphold the law. The Navi Mumbai and Satara police departments are continuing their investigations to ensure all aspects of the crime are thoroughly examined and justice is served.
