Borivili murder: Cops find dhobi guilty

Police arrested the man who allegedly murdered 42-year-old Aruna Kothawde, who was stabbed to death at her Borivili residence on January 10. The accused has been identified as Ajaykumar Kanojia, a 19-year-old dhobi, who worked at Shriram Laundry in Poisar.

Cops had found slit marks on Kothawde’s stomach and throat. “We questioned everyone, even the gaswala, scrap-seller and dhobi. We also probed the property angle,” said Markand Ranade, DCP, Zone XI. All visitors to the house were watched.

“When we questioned Kanojia about the matter, he didn’t give us a satisfactory reply. On further interrogation, he admitted to killing Kanojia in order to steal money and valuables,” he said.

The incident occurred on January 10, when Aruna was alone at home. “When Kothawde went into her bedroom to get the clothes, Kanojia followed her. Sensing his intention, Kothawde tried to shout but was stabbed by Kanojia,” said Ranade.

The police zeroed in on Kanojia after finding clothes scattered on Aruna’s bed. “Either she was supposed to give clothes to someone, or she had collected them. When we called Kanojia for questioning, we saw scuffle marks on his hand,” added Ranade.

Kanojia stole a mangalsutra, bangles and money. Police recovered Kanojia’s cycle and clothes.