The total number of accused in the case has now gone up to six.
On Tuesday evening, The Pant Nagar Police arrested three more people in connection with the murder of Ghatkopar-based diamond merchant Rajeshwar Udani (57). The total number of accused in the case has now gone up to six.
Those arrested have been identified as Mahesh Prabhakar Bhoir (31), Shaista Khan alias Dolly (41), and Nikhat Mohammed Umar Khan (20) alias Zara. While Bhoir is said to be a resident of Vichumbe village in Panvel and is a farmer by occupation, Shaista and Nikhat hail from the city. Investigation revealed that the trio was picked to commit the crime and they have been alleged to have actively participated in plotting the murder, executed the plan and dumped the body at a lone location.
According to the police, Mahesh was known to earlier arrested co-accused Praneet Bhoir who was also a Panvel resident but, his role in the crime has not yet been made clear by the police. While Shaista is a beautician by profession, Nikhat is said to be her distant relative but the detailed profile and involvement of the duo is being scrutinised by the police. The police claimed that Udani was honey trapped and Shaista and Nikhat were used to lure him.
"Udani had told his driver Vijay Misal to drop him near Mulund corner and from there he went to Vashi in another car for which he waited for 40 minutes at the junction. The car whose number plate was found fabricated was driven by Praneet and as per the plan, one of the accused called Udani saying that he was bringing some girls which wanted to debut in short film and for the same they wanted to meet him. We believe this is a part of the planning and later, the accused had brought a cake from Vikhroli which was later smothered on Udani's face and then his body was dumped near a Panvel based dam," said a police officer on condition of anonymity.
Meanwhile arrested accused Dinesh Pawar and Praneet were produced at Vikhroli court where the duo were sent to police custody till Friday. While giving the submission, public prosecutor said,"Udani's diamond ring, gold chain, a key-shaped pendant, mobile and wallet was missing along with cash worth Rs 42,250. The car in which he was taken is yet to be traced. The gravity of the offence is of serious nature and all of the accused have also tried to destroy the evidence."
ON RECORD
Those arrested on TUesday evening have been identified as Mahesh Prabhakar Bhoir (31), Shaista Khan alias Dolly (41), and Nikhat Mohammed Umar Khan (20) alias Zara
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