Mumbai: The prime witness in the 2011 Keenan Santos-Reuben Fernandez double murder case was found murdered with multiple stab wounds in Andheri on Monday.
The deceased, Avinash Solanki alias Bali, was the only witness who did not retract his statement till the four accused were sentenced to life for the October 2011 double murder. Mr Solanki was found murdered at Apollo Industrial Estate on Mahakali Caves Road after being reported missing for two days. The police suspects he was killed over personal reasons.
Mr Solanki’s body, including private parts, bore stab wounds. The MIDC police is probing the case and is trying to ascertain the motive. Mr Santos and Mr Fernandez were stabbed to death by a group of men when the two tried to protect girls, who were with them, from being harassed and molested. The MIDC police station has begun investigation in the case and stated that personal enmity could be the motive behind the brutal murder.
A preliminary probe revealed that Mr Solanki was into an export-import business along with a partner who is on the run following the murder. The deceased was found inside the office at Andheri (east), where the air conditioner was also on. The body was found with stab wounds on the head, stomach and private parts.
“We are investigating the case and it is suspected that he was murdered over personal reasons. All angles are, however, being investigated,” said Navinchandra Reddy, deputy commissioner of police (zone X).
The police said that two persons are suspected to be behind the Solanki murder. The killing seems to have taken place at least two days ago after he went missing. His friends had approached police and they had begun a hunt for him without registering a missing person’s complaint.
Mr Solanki had given a statement pertaining to the double murder that led to conviction of Sunil Bodh, Dipal Piwal, Satish Dulgaj and Jitendra Rana. Their bail and parole applications were also struck down and they are currently serving life term.
A case of murder has been registered against two persons, including his partner, as per the provisions of the Indian Penal Code and further investigation is underway.
