Navi Mumbai: After a week-long investigation into the murder of a labourer whose body was found beneath a flyover near the NMMC headquarters on April 17, the CBD-Belapur police have arrested one suspect while his accomplice remains at large.
Discovery of the Body
The victim's body was discovered on the morning of April 17. A police officer stated that the victim was initially unidentified as no identity proof or mobile phone was found at the crime scene. During the probe, it was learned that the deceased was a daily wage labourer who had migrated from another region. Inquiries with fellow daily wage labourers in the area led to the identification of the victim as Akash Rathod (31).
Investigation Leads to Suspects
Further investigation revealed that Rathod was frequently accompanied by two friends with whom he would consume liquor under the flyover near the NMMC headquarters. Based on this information, the names of his two friends were established, and a manhunt was launched. One of the friends was identified as Subhash Dhurve (26), who was with Rathod and another friend on the night of April 16 while they were drinking under the flyover.
Arrest and Confession
Using technical expertise and CCTV footage from the stretch of road leading to the flyover, Dhurve's location was traced, and he was arrested on Saturday. Dhurve has confessed that on the night of April 16, the three were drinking under the flyover when a quarrel erupted over food sharing. Rathod insisted on taking a larger share, claiming he had paid for the food. In response, Dhurve and his friend struck Rathod on the head with a large stone lying nearby, causing fatal injuries. Rathod's body was discovered the next morning by NMMC sweepers who regularly gathered under the flyover before starting their work.
The police continue to search for the second suspect.
