A dispute over the sale of a property is believed to have led to the fatal shooting of a 33-year-old lawyer at a hotel in Lonavala, with police later finding evidence that challenged the family’s initial account of the incident as an accidental shooting.
Pune Rural police have arrested 83-year-old Motiram Marathe on charges of allegedly shooting his grandson, Abhay Marathe, on Monday. Four other family members have also been arrested for allegedly attempting to conceal evidence following the incident.
Police question account of accidental shooting
Police were initially informed that Abhay had suffered a fatal gunshot injury while cleaning his grandfather’s licensed 12-bore rifle at the hotel. According to the family’s account, the weapon accidentally discharged, striking Abhay in the chest.
An accidental death case was initially registered after a hospital alerted Lonavala City police. However, the circumstances came under closer scrutiny during the post-mortem examination at Sassoon General Hospital in Pune.
Investigators said the nature of the firearm injury did not appear consistent with the explanation that the rifle had accidentally discharged while being handled by Abhay.
This prompted the police to examine the hotel where the incident had reportedly occurred.
Blood evidence lead investigators back to the hotel.
During their inspection, investigators reportedly found blood marks on a wall near the hotel counter as well as other blood stains in the surrounding area. Some of the splatter was also found on a section of the wall several feet above the ground.
Police said these findings raised doubts about the initial version of events and suggested that Abhay may have been shot inside the hotel.
Investigators subsequently questioned hotel staff and management. During the inquiry, police were reportedly informed about an ongoing disagreement between Abhay and his grandfather concerning the proposed sale of a property.
Property dispute under investigation.
According to police, the two had another heated argument over said property, on Monday morning. Investigators allege that the confrontation escalated, after which Motiram took one of his licensed rifles and shot Abhay.
Police suspect that members of the family subsequently attempted to present the incident as an accidental shooting.
Relatives accused of removing CCTV equipment
Police allege that several relatives arrived at the hotel after being informed about the shooting. They are accused of moving Abhay’s body into a room and removing CCTV cameras and the digital video recorder from the premises.
Investigators also allege that hotel employees were warned against disclosing information about what had happened.
Four relatives — Rajashri Pawar, 58, Hiraman Marathe, 54, Kavita Marathe and Manoj Marathe, 32 — have been arrested on allegations of destroying or concealing evidence.
Police said Motiram possessed two licensed rifles, with the licences having been issued in 1970 for hunting purposes.
The accused have been booked under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to murder, disappearance or concealment of evidence and destruction of electronic records, along with relevant provisions of the Arms Act.
The investigation is continuing, and the allegations against the accused will be subject to the ongoing legal proceedings.
