Daughter-in-Law's Rs 300 Crore Greed Leads To Staged Hit-And-Run Murder In Nagpur

A tragic hit-and-run incident in Nagpur has unveiled a sinister plot revolving around a property dispute valued at Rs 300 crore.

Purushottam Puttewar, an 82-year-old man, fell victim to this scheme on May 22 while returning from visiting his wife, Shakuntala, in the hospital. He was struck by a speeding car in Balaji Nagari, Nagpur. Initially perceived as an accident, further investigation by the police revealed a chilling truth.

Archana Puttewar, the victim's daughter-in-law, allegedly orchestrated the murder in a bid to gain control of the family's substantial property. She reportedly hired contract killers, promising them Rs 1 crore for the execution. Funds were provided to purchase a used car for the purpose, with the intention of masking the crime as an accident.

The police intervention following the incident's classification as a mere accident spurred a comprehensive inquiry. Archana, an assistant director in the Town Planning Department, was among those arrested on Tuesday. Her accomplices include Prashant Parlewar, director of Micro Small Media Enterprises, and four others.

The suspected contract killers, identified as Neeraj Ishwar Nimje, Sachin Mohan Dharmik, and the family driver Sarthak Bagde, were also apprehended. Additionally, Payal Nageshwar, the personal assistant of the prime accused, was implicated. Authorities seized their vehicles, gold jewelry, and mobile phones.

According to law enforcement, Archana, Nageshwar, and Bagde devised the initial murder plan, while Dharmik joined after being promised a beer bar license.

All the accused are in custody until June 15, with Archana scheduled for a court appearance on Thursday.