Hit-and-Run in Nagpur Uncovers Contract Killing Plot Over Rs 300 Crore Property Dispute
Hit-and-Run in Nagpur Uncovers Contract Killing Plot Over Rs 300 Crore Property Dispute
A hit-and-run incident in Nagpur has been revealed as a case of contract killing tied to a property dispute worth over Rs 300 crore. The police investigation uncovered that Archana Puttewar, the daughter-in-law of the victim, orchestrated the murder of her father-in-law by promising Rs 1 crore to the contract killers.
The incident occurred on May 22 in Balaji Nagari, where 82-year-old Purushottam Puttewar was fatally struck by a speeding car. Initially classified as a bailable accident case, the driver was released along with the car. However, a top police official’s intervention led to a deeper investigation, resulting in the arrest of Archana Puttewar and her accomplices, Sarthak Bagde and Dharmik.
Despite the gravity of the case, Archana’s police custody was not extended beyond the initial three days, preventing further interrogation and cross-verification with her accomplices. The case gained momentum after reviewing CCTV footage, which revealed part of the car’s registration number involved in the incident.
Purushottam Puttewar was returning from visiting his wife, Shakuntala, at the hospital when he was struck by the hired vehicle. Further investigation exposed Archana’s dubious activities in the town planning department, where she allegedly approved illegal layouts and violated regulations, protected by her political connections.
A police officer revealed that Archana financed the murder by providing Rs 1 crore to the perpetrators, including the purchase of a used vehicle to stage the accident. Her motive was to gain control over the family property valued at Rs 300 crore. Archana, 53, conspired with her husband’s driver, Bagde, and two other individuals, Neeraj Nimje and Sachin Dharmik. All involved have been charged with murder and related offenses under the IPC and Motor Vehicles Act.
The authorities seized two cars, gold jewelry, and mobile phones during the investigation, along with cash and valuables from Dharmik’s residence. Archana, who holds the position of Assistant Director of Town Planning in Gadchiroli and Chandrapur, was taken into custody on June 6, with the court granting a three-day remand for further questioning.
This case highlights the severity of greed and corruption, revealing how far individuals will go to acquire wealth and power, even at the cost of family ties. The investigation is ongoing, with the police scrutinizing Archana’s professional conduct for additional irregularities and potential charges.
