4 days ago
Lonavala Grandfather Arrested After Lawyer Grandson’s Shooting
Abhay Marathe, a 33-year-old lawyer, died after being shot at his family’s hotel near Lonavala.
His family first told police that a rifle went off by accident while he was cleaning it.
Police became suspicious after examining the scene and the medical findings, which they said suggested the shot came from close range.
Investigators allege that Abhay’s grandfather, Motiram, shot him during an argument about land and money.
Police also allege that family members moved the body and rifle and removed camera equipment to hide evidence.
Five family members have been booked in the case.
Motiram is in custody, and police are still investigating.
The allegations have not been proved in court.
Police say 33-year-old lawyer Abhay Manik Marathe was shot in the chest at Hotel Motiram in Bhushi, near Lonavala, on October 5.
The family initially described the shooting as an accident while Abhay was cleaning his grandfather’s licensed 12-bore rifle.
Police say the post-mortem indicated the shot was fired from about 30 centimetres away, and other scene evidence raised suspicion.
Investigators allege 83-year-old Motiram Rawji Marathe shot Abhay during an argument over land, property development and financial matters.
Five family members have been booked over the alleged killing and attempted concealment; Motiram is in custody and the investigation continues.
- Who
- Advocate Abhay Manik Marathe, 33, and his grandfather Motiram Rawji Marathe, 83; five family members have been booked.
- What
- Police allege Motiram shot Abhay and that family members attempted to conceal evidence.
- Where
- Hotel Motiram, Bhushi village near Lonavala, Maharashtra.
- When
- October 5; the articles do not specify the year for the reported shooting.
- Why
- Police allege the shooting followed a dispute over land, property development and financial matters.
Family’s Initial Account
Police Investigation
How the shooting happened
Family’s Initial Account
The family initially told police that Abhay accidentally fired the rifle while cleaning it.
Police Investigation
Police say the post-mortem findings and evidence at the scene raised doubts about an accident; they allege Motiram shot Abhay during an argument.
Events after the shooting
Family’s Initial Account
The family’s initial account described the death as accidental.
Police Investigation
Police allege family members moved the body and rifle, removed CCTV equipment and tried to conceal the crime.
Key facts
- Victim
- Advocate Abhay Manik Marathe, 33
- Accused
- Motiram Rawji Marathe, 83; police say he is in custody.
- Reported date
- October 5; year not specified in the articles.
- Location
- Hotel Motiram, Bhushi village near Lonavala
- Weapon
- Licensed 12-bore rifle
- Post-mortem detail
- Police said the bullet was fired from about 30 centimetres away.
- People booked
- Five family members
- Case status
- Under investigation; allegations have not been established in court.
Quotes
Sandeep Singh Gill
Superintendent of Police who described the land dispute.
“Motiram Marathe holds a valid arms licence for a 12-bore gun, which he used for hunting. According to the family, the incident took place on Monday. They told police that Abhay was cleaning his grandfather’s gun when the trigger was accidentally pulled and a bullet hit him in the chest.”
indianexpress.com
“Motiram wanted to sell their land and distribute the money among family members; however, Abhay had different plans for the land development, which led to the dispute.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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