In a shocking incident reported from Bhandup, a 23-year-old youth, identified as Harsh Tushar Thakur, was allegedly stabbed to death following a minor altercation. The accused, identified as Rohit Kachru Kharat, was arrested from Jalna within 36 hours of the crime by the Kanjurmarg Police. The court has remanded him to police custody till February 21.
According to police, the incident took place around 1:15 am on Saturday near a drain close to Menon College in Bhandup. Harsh, son of Tushar Gopinath Thakur, a driver residing at Prashant Sagar Cooperative Society in Nahur, was reportedly unemployed. On the night of the incident, he was chatting with his friends Omkar and Nitin near the college when Rohit, who was known to them, approached the group.
A minor argument broke out between Harsh and Rohit, which escalated into a scuffle. Enraged over the confrontation, Rohit allegedly abused and pushed Harsh. When Harsh retaliated, Rohit, in a fit of anger, attacked him with a sharp weapon, inflicting serious injuries to his chest and abdomen.
After the assault, the accused fled the scene. Harsh was rushed to Fortis Hospital by his friends, where doctors declared him dead.
Based on a complaint lodged by the victim’s father, police registered a case of murder. A special team comprising officers from Kanjurmarg, Pantnagar, Navghar, Vikhroli, Parksite and Ghatkopar police stations was formed to trace the accused.
During the investigation, police learned that Rohit had fled Mumbai and was hiding in Jalna. A team was dispatched and successfully apprehended him from the Badlapur area of Jalna district.
During interrogation, Rohit reportedly confessed that the murder was not premeditated but occurred in a sudden fit of rage following the argument. He admitted to switching off his mobile phone and frequently changing locations to evade arrest.
Police have brought him to Mumbai for further investigation.