Navi Mumbai: NCP Leader Withdraws Bail Plea as Police Intensify Hunt in Khopoli Murder Case
In a significant development in the Mangesh Kalokhe murder case, the Raigad police have arrested 16 individuals, while one key accused, Sudhakar Ghare, the president of the Raigad district NCP (AP), remains at large. The case involves the brutal killing of the husband of Khopoli councillor Manasi Kalokhe, which has sent shockwaves through the region.
Ghare's Legal Maneuvers and Withdrawal of Bail Plea
Sudhakar Ghare had initially applied for anticipatory bail through his lawyer in the high court after his plea was rejected by the Khalapur JMFC court. However, in a surprising turn of events, Ghare withdrew his bail plea on Thursday, as confirmed by police officials. This move has intensified the investigation, with authorities now focusing on tracing his whereabouts using technical evidence.
Details of the Brutal Murder
Mangesh Kalokhe was hacked to death by five assailants armed with swords, a sickle, and an axe on December 26 around 7 am. The attack occurred at a busy junction in Khopoli while he was returning home on his bike after dropping his two daughters off at school. Among the assailants was Darshan, the son of key accused Ravindra Devkar, highlighting the personal and violent nature of the crime.
Police Investigation and Technical Evidence
A police officer involved in the case stated, "Ghare is being traced. The technical evidence gathered indicates that Ghare was contacted by key accused Ravindra Devkar over mobile before and after Kalokhe's murder." This evidence points to Ghare's alleged involvement in the planning and execution of the murder, adding a layer of political intrigue to the case.
Recent Arrests and Key Figures
In recent operations, the Raigad police have made critical arrests, including:
- Armaan Shaikh (30), a wanted key contract killer from Solapur who resides in Pune. He was arrested last week after surrendering to the Pune crime branch. Shaikh faces multiple charges, including a murder case in Pune, and surrendered out of fear of encounter due to his notoriety as a dreaded criminal.
- Bharat Bhagat, the Raigad district NCP (AP) spokesperson, who was arrested on Sunday past midnight from the Khalapur area using technical expertise. His arrest underscores the political connections in this case.
The arrests of Shaikh and Bhagat, along with the ongoing hunt for Ghare, demonstrate the police's commitment to unraveling the conspiracy behind Kalokhe's murder. As the investigation progresses, more details are expected to emerge, shedding light on the motives and broader implications of this heinous crime in Navi Mumbai.
