What first appeared to be a brutal street murder has now turned out to be a planned contract killing. Crime Branch has revealed that the victim’s wife allegedly hired assailants for Rs 2 lakh to murder her husband following frequent domestic disputes. Two accused have been arrested, while police are searching for two more suspects, including a juvenile. The victim, Ganesh alias Gurudev Borkar (45), was hacked to death with a sharp weapon on the night of July 2 near his house in Hanuman Nagar under the jurisdiction of Bhandewadi Police Station.

 

According to police, Ganesh had married Manisha Ganesh Borkar (37) around 14 years ago. It was her second marriage. The couple often fought over family issues, and Manisha had been living separately with their children in Sham Nagar area of Pardi. Police said the investigation found that Manisha had allegedly planned her husband’s murder by hiring contract killers for Rs 2 lakh. She is also accused of earlier threatening Ganesh, saying, “If anyone is going to murder you, it will be me. Just wait and see.” During the investigation, Crime Branch Unit No. 5 analysed technical evidence, gathered confidential information and examined the victim’s family’s statements. Based on the evidence, police arrested Manisha Borkar and Abhijit Purushottam Sakhare (29). During questioning, the accused allegedly confessed that they carried out the murder with the help of Rohit Borkar, who is absconding and a juvenile. “Preliminary investigation has revealed that this was a contract killing.

 

The main accused allegedly hired the assailants by promising them Rs 2 lakh to eliminate her husband. We have arrested two accused, while efforts are underway to trace the remaining accused,” a Crime Branch officer said. The arrested accused have been handed over to Bhandewadi Police for further investigation. Police are also verifying the financial transactions and other evidences linked to the alleged contract. A case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The investigation is continuing to establish complete conspiracy and the role of each accused.