The Nallasopara police station in Palghar was witness to violent drama on Monday, after a Satara resident stabbed his brother-in-law to death on the police station premises, with several police personnel present.
According to the police, the deceased has been identified as Akash Kolekar (23), a resident of Nallasopara. The police said Akash’s wife Komal had committed suicide on Sunday at their residence, and an accidental death report had been registered in connection with the incident.
‘Recording statement’
“We had called Akash to record his statement on Monday and he came around 10 a.m. We finished the necessary inquiries and he was waiting in a room at the police station for the post-mortem report to arrive, so that he could collect a copy before leaving. Meanwhile, Komal’s parents and other relatives, including her brother Ravindra Kalel (23), who had come down from her native Satara, also reached the police station,” police inspector Vasant Labde, Nallasopara police station, said.
He added that around 4 p.m., Mr. Kalel suddenly whipped out a knife and stabbed Akash repeatedly.
“It all happened so suddenly that our officers weren’t able to stop Mr. Kalel. Akash sustained serious injuries and we rushed him to the nearby Riddhi Vinayak Hospital, where he was declared dead before admission,” Mr. Labde said.
Mr. Kalel was arrested and charged with murder under the Indian Penal Code. Sources said he might have committed the murder as he blamed Akash for his sister’s suicide.
‘Prior planning’
“Akash and Komal had a love marriage and Mr. Kalel was opposed to it from the beginning. It is possible that Komal’s suicide might have been the final straw for him. The fact that he came armed with the knife indicates prior planning. We are questioning him further,” an officer with the Nallasopara police said.
Meanwhile, Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh, Palghar said, “There will be an inquiry to check if there has been any negligence or lapse on the part of the police station staff. I will be personally visiting the spot and the inquiry process will start soon.”
