Six held for killing father-son duo over property row

Mumbai: A father-son duo was allegedly killed by six of their relatives, including a woman, over a property dispute in Panvel. The police on Tuesday night arrested the accused, who had allegedly encroached upon the deceased’s plot to make an illegal structure.

The deceased were Lakshman Mhatre (56), and his son, Rupesh (26). Lakshman and Rupesh were killed by the former’s nephew Ravindra and five of the latter’s family members. A Panvel police official said, “There were differences between both the brothers’ families for the last few years due to a property dispute.” He said, “Recently, Ganpat Mhatre built a structure on Lakshman’s property in Panvel. Lakshman always wanted to sort out the matter but Ravindra and his family weren’t willing.”

Apart from Ravindra, the police also arrested his wife Sunita Mhatre, brother Mangesh Mhatre, Vanita Bhopi, Rachana Bhopi and Fashivai Bhopi. On being contacted by The Asian Age, Panvel police station’s senior police inspector N B Kolhatkar said, “Lakshman, his wife Mirabai and Rupesh went to Ravindra Mhatre’s house two weeks ago to sort out the issue. While talking to them, Ravindra asked them to leave his residence.” He said, “Later, Ravindra and the other accused went on Monday night to Lakshman’s house and attacked him, his wife and his son with rods and knives.”  

The Senior PI further added, “After all the accused fled the place, Mirabai, the wife of deceased Lakshman, who had become unconscious due to the assault upon her, gathered courage and called the police, narrating the incident.” Kolhatkar said, “We immediately sent a team and arrested family members. Ravindra was absconding but later he was arrested too.”

Police arrested the accused under various sections including those related to murder and assault.