Navi Mumbai Crime Branch Arrests Two For Autorickshaw Driver's Murder

The Navi Mumbai Crime Branch has arrested two men, Sahil Ananda Surve and Sahil Yashwant Kharat, for allegedly murdering an 18-year-old autorickshaw driver, Sujan Kumar Feku Mahato, following a dispute over a Rs 50 fare difference. The incident occurred in the early hours of August 29 in the Mini Seashore Garden area near Fortis Hospital in Vashi.

The accused, both residents of Mankhurd, were arrested from the Mankhurd area by Crime Branch Unit-1. The police have also recovered the autorickshaw in which the accused fled after the killing.

According to the police, Mahato had gone out to ferry passengers on the night of August 28. Around 3.36 am on August 29, the two accused boarded his autorickshaw near Koparkhairane railway station and asked him to take them to Mankhurd. However, when Mahato told them that the fare was Rs 150, the accused allegedly said they had only Rs 100, leading to an argument.

The argument escalated, and the accused allegedly brandished weapons, threatened Mahato, and forced him to continue driving. Later, near Mini Seashore Garden, Mahato received a call from another passenger, and when he told the accused that he had another fare and asked them to get out of the autorickshaw, an argument broke out. The two allegedly attacked him with sharp weapons, striking him on the neck, head, and hands, before fleeing with his autorickshaw.

A crucial lead in the investigation came from police constable Ashok Kachare, who found an Aadhaar card lying a few meters from the spot. The card belonged to a woman who was subsequently traced by the police and had witnessed the murder. Using her description and matching it with CCTV footages, the accused were traced.

The police analyzed CCTV footage from the crime scene and the route taken by the accused, and technical analysis, information from confidential sources, and the eyewitness account helped identify and trace the accused.

The accused have a criminal history and were carrying weapons. The police have successfully traced both accused and recovered the autorickshaw that belonged to the deceased in which they fled after the murder. However, the weapon used in the crime is yet to be recovered.

The accused will be produced before the court on Tuesday. The incident highlights the growing concern over the safety of autorickshaw drivers in Navi Mumbai and the need for increased security measures to prevent such incidents.

The Navi Mumbai Crime Branch has been working to crack down on crime in the area, and this arrest is a significant step in that direction. The police are continuing to investigate the incident and are working to recover the weapon used in the crime.

In recent years, there have been several incidents of violence against autorickshaw drivers in Navi Mumbai, and the police have been working to address the issue. The arrest of the two accused in this case is a positive step towards ensuring the safety of autorickshaw drivers and preventing such incidents in the future.

The incident has also raised concerns about the need for better dispute resolution mechanisms to prevent such incidents from escalating into violence. The police are working to educate the public about the importance of resolving disputes peacefully and the consequences of violent behavior.

Overall, the arrest of the two accused in this case is a significant step towards ensuring justice for the victim and his family, and the police are continuing to work to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

The Navi Mumbai Crime Branch is committed to keeping the city safe and is working tirelessly to investigate and prevent crime. The arrest of the two accused in this case is a testament to the branch's dedication to justice and public safety.

In conclusion, the incident highlights the need for increased security measures to prevent violence against autorickshaw drivers and the importance of resolving disputes peacefully. The police are working to address the issue, and the arrest of the two accused is a positive step towards ensuring justice for the victim and his family.