In a startling revelation, two senior bureaucrats are among six individuals arrested for their alleged involvement in the murder of an 82-year-old man in Nagpur. The victim, Puroshattam Puttewar, was reportedly killed over a property dispute, with attempts made to disguise the crime as a hit-and-run accident.
The Plot Unveiled:
The Nagpur police’s crime branch disclosed that Archana Puttewar, an assistant director of town planning, and her brother Prashant Parlewar, director of MSME Nagpur, were key figures in the conspiracy. Alongside them, Neeraj Nimje, Sachin Dharmik, Archana’s driver Sarthak Bagde, and her secretary Payal Nageshwar were also involved in the crime.
The motive behind the murder, according to police sources, stemmed from a dispute over a valuable property worth over Rs 40 crore owned by Puroshattam Puttewar. Archana Puttewar, driven by a desire to secure a larger share of the property for her widow daughter, allegedly conspired to harm her father-in-law.
Sequence of Events:
The tragic incident occurred on May 22, when Puroshattam Puttewar was struck down by a car driven by Neeraj Nimje while he was on his way to his daughter’s residence. This was not the first attempt, as earlier incidents on May 8 and May 16 involved unsuccessful efforts to harm him.
Initially, Nimje’s actions were construed as a hit-and-run, but deeper investigation by the police exposed disparity. The subsequent scrutiny of CCTV footage revealed deliberate actions aimed at causing serious harm to the elderly victim.
Unraveling the Conspiracy:
Further investigation of this Murder Case pointed to a carefully orchestrated plan involving Nimje, Dharmik, and others hired by Archana Puttewar and her brother. The role of Dharmik, who had tried to physically harm Puroshattam in previous attempts, became clearer through call records linking him to Archana Puttewar.
Sarthak Bagde, Archana’s driver, was initially portrayed as a disgruntled former employee by Archana herself, attempting to mislead investigators. However, evidence suggested his direct involvement in the crime. Payal Nageshwar, Archana’s secretary, was also connect for her role in facilitating the conspiracy.
Legal Proceedings and Arrests:
Following the death of Puroshattam Puttewar, the case initially registered as negligence took a drastic turn after suspicions arose, leading to the arrest of Neeraj Nimje and subsequently others involved in the conspiracy. Charges under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and Motor Vehicle Act were filed against the accused.
Police officials indicated a need to investigate previous deaths within the family under mysterious circumstances, suggesting potential foul play in those cases as well. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities aim to uncover any further links or motives behind the crimes.
The arrest of senior bureaucrats in connection with such a heinous crime has sent shockwaves through Nagpur. The case underscores the complexities of familial disputes and the lengths some may go to resolve them, highlighting the critical role of thorough police work in uncovering truth and justice. As the investigation continues, the community awaits further developments in this tragic and unsettling case.
