Man's death in 'accidental' gunfire by grandfather turns out murder over property
What was initially reported as an accidental shooting while cleaning a licenced firearm has turned out to be a murder in Maharashtra's Lonavala, where an 83-year-old man allegedly shot dead his 31-year-old grandson following a dispute over land and financial dealings.
Pune Rural Police, in a joint investigation by the Local Crime Branch and Lonavala City Police, arrested the grandfather, identified as Motiram Marathe, after questioning those present at the scene exposed inconsistencies in the accident theory.
The deceased, Abhay Manik Marathe, son of former Lonavala municipal corporator Manik Marathe, was found with a gunshot wound to his chest on October 5 at the premises of Hotel Motiram in Bhushi village.
The family initially told police that Abhay had been cleaning his grandfather's licenced 12-bore rifle when it accidentally went off, striking him.
Police, however, questioned the circumstances of the shooting. A senior police officer said the nature of the injury and the position of the firearm raised doubts about whether the weapon could have discharged in the manner claimed.
Abhay's body was sent to Sassoon Hospital for post-mortem examination, where investigators found that the injury did not bear the characteristics of a close-range or contact shot.
"There was no evidence of a close-range or contact shot; typically, such shots leave traces like tattooing or smoke marks from the discharge, but no such signs were visible," a senior police officer said.
Police then inspected the crime scene. Bloodstains near the counter, the position where Abhay had fallen and the apparent angle of fire suggested that the shooting had taken place at the spot, contradicting the account of an accidental discharge while cleaning the weapon.
Investigators subsequently questioned a waiter working at the restaurant. During interrogation, details of a dispute between Abhay and his grandfather over the proposed sale of land emerged.
According to police, Motiram wanted to sell a portion of the property, while Abhay opposed the move.
The disagreement allegedly escalated into a confrontation, during which Motiram fired at his grandson. Abhay was struck in the chest and died from his injuries.FAMILY ATTEMPTED TO CONCEAL CRIME
The investigation also revealed an alleged attempt by family members to conceal the crime and present it as an accident. Police said the body was moved from its original position, the rifle was cleaned and kept elsewhere, and CCTV cameras at the premises were removed.
Staff and the manager were also allegedly instructed not to disclose the incident to police.
An FIR has been registered against five people for allegedly attempting to destroy evidence and conceal the circumstances of the killing.
Police said the case includes charges relating to murder and destruction of evidence, while further investigation is underway to establish the precise role of each accused.
The police said Motiram eventually admitted to firing the shot, claiming that Abhay had threatened to kill him during the dispute.
Investigators are now examining the evidence, statements of witnesses and the alleged attempts to tamper with the crime scene.
Further legal action against the accused and those allegedly involved in the cover-up is expected as the investigation progresses.- Ends
Omkar Wable has been working in the media since 2018. He is the curious about the world. Political coverage is his core competency and social issues have always been a priority. Covering ground reports from various communities along with civic issues is strength.
