Ghatkopar: The death of a 35-year-old woman in Ghatkopar, Mumbai, has turned into a murder investigation, with police alleging that her mother-in-law hired four people to kill her and paid them Rs 3 lakh.
The victim, identified as Sapna Ghanji, was found dead with injury marks in a bathroom on Sunday night. Police said her 65-year-old mother-in-law, Dhanlaxmi Ghanji, initially attempted to portray the death as an accidental fall.
Police uncover alleged murder plot
According to police, the nature of Sapna’s injuries, CCTV footage and call records raised suspicion and led investigators to Dhanlaxmi.
She was arrested on Tuesday. During questioning, police allegedly found evidence that she had hired four people to carry out the murder.
DCP Ganesh Shinde said the accused later attempted to portray the death as an accident, allegedly claiming that Sapna had fallen in the bathroom while under the influence of alcohol.
Four more arrested
Police arrested four additional suspects on Wednesday in connection with the alleged murder.
They were identified as domestic help Mangala Jadhav, her husband Suresh, their 21-year-old daughter Shivani and 19-year-old son Sajan.
Investigators allege that Dhanlaxmi paid the group Rs 3 lakh for committing the crime.
The arrests followed a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding Sapna’s death, including examination of physical injuries, CCTV recordings and telephone records.
Investigation continues
Police have registered a murder case and are investigating the alleged conspiracy and the roles of all five accused.
The case has drawn attention after what was initially presented as an accidental death led investigators to uncover an alleged planned killing. Further details about the motive and circumstances behind the alleged murder are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.