Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
A 40-year-old woman was brutally murdered in Wadgaon Kolhati, Bajajnagar, Waluj on Wednesday morning.
The deceased has been identified as Sadhana Mahendra Sonpetkar (40, Sai Shraddha Park, Wadgaon Kolhati, Waluj). The accused, Shaila Sonar (45, Bajajnagar), has been taken into custody. Tension stemming from an alleged love affair, an old dispute and long-simmering anger erupted violently when the accused allegedly barged into her lover's home and launched a deadly attack on his wife, repeatedly stabbing her with a knife and killing her in cold blood. The brazen daylight murder, committed inside a residential locality, has left the entire area shaken. It happened inside a residential locality. The brazen act has left the entire area in shock.
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What happened
At around 9.30 am on Wednesday, Shaila arrived at Sadhana's home and waited after being told by Sadhana's mother-in-law, Kesharbai, that she had gone to the temple. When Sadhana returned, an argument broke out. Shaila locked the door from inside using a lock she had brought along and began questioning Sadhana about her husband, Mahendra Sonpetkar.
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The attack (mother-in-law courageously resists)
Shaila pulled out a gun-like object, pointed it at Sadhana's head and threatened to eliminate the entire family. Kesharbai intervened, pushed Shaila's hand, causing the object to fall, and threw it out of the window. Shaila then sprayed a chemical on both women's faces Sadhana collapsed, Kesharbai suffered severe burning. Taking advantage, Shaila pulled out a knife and repeatedly stabbed Sadhana on the neck, abdomen, head, back and throat, killing her.
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Mother-in-law's resistance
Kesharbai tried to save her daughter-in-law but was pushed to the ground. Due to her age, she could not resist further.
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After the murder
Shaila inflicted minor self-injuries, washed her hands and the knife in the bathroom, throw gun out of the window, and stayed inside the locked house talking on her phone. Kesharbai's screams drew neighbours, but no one could enter as the door was locked from inside. Waluj MIDC police, under police inspector Rameshwar Gade, rushed to the spot, broke open the door and detained the accused. A panchnama was conducted; the knife, the pistol-like object and other evidence were seized.
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Motive (Extramarital Relationship)
Preliminary investigation points to an alleged extramarital relationship between Shaila and Mahendra Sonpetkar, compounded by financial disputes and a previously registered case between them.
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Key questions under investigation
• Was the murder premeditated or committed in a sudden fit of rage?
• Was Mahendra the original target and was Sadhana attacked only because he was not home?
• Is the pistol-like object functional?
• Was anyone else involved?
Police are conducting a detailed interrogation and investigating all angles.