Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Ghatkopar Woman Accused of Hiring Family to Kill Daughter-in-Law
Police are investigating the death of 35-year-old Sapna Ghanji in Ghatkopar.
They say her mother-in-law, Dhanlaxmi Ghanji, planned the killing.
Police allege she paid Rs 3 lakh to a domestic worker and the worker’s family.
Four people from that family were arrested.
Dhanlaxmi was arrested earlier.
She had reportedly said Sapna died after falling in the bathroom.
Investigators became suspicious because Sapna had injury marks.
CCTV footage and phone records allegedly connected the people to the crime.
Police say the investigation found that the death was not an accident.
Police arrested 65-year-old Dhanlaxmi Ghanji in connection with Sapna Ghanji’s death.
Investigators allege Dhanlaxmi paid Rs 3 lakh to her domestic help and family members.
Mangala Jadhav, her husband Suresh, and their children Shivani and Sajan were also arrested.
Police said Dhanlaxmi initially claimed Sapna died after falling in the bathroom.
CCTV footage, injury marks, and phone records allegedly linked the accused to the killing.
- Who
- Sapna Ghanji, her mother-in-law Dhanlaxmi Ghanji, and four members of a domestic worker’s family.
- What
- Police allege that Dhanlaxmi hired four people to murder Sapna and then tried to present the death as an accident.
- When
- Sapna was found dead on Sunday night; Dhanlaxmi was arrested Tuesday and four others were arrested Wednesday.
- Where
- Ghatkopar, in the bathroom where Sapna’s body was found.
- Why
- Police allege Dhanlaxmi paid Rs 3 lakh for the killing; no further motive was stated.
- Victim
- Sapna Ghanji, 35
- Key accused
- Dhanlaxmi Ghanji, 65, Sapna’s mother-in-law
- Alleged payment
- Rs 3 lakh
- Additional arrests
- Mangala Jadhav, Suresh, Shivani, 21, and Sajan, 19
- Evidence cited by police
- CCTV footage, phone records, and the nature of Sapna’s injuries
- Initial explanation
- Dhanlaxmi allegedly claimed Sapna died after falling in the bathroom