The Andheri police have arrested Sunil Kokate, 52, for allegedly murdering Sujit Singh, 42, over a petty matter. The incident occurred on February 13 when, in a fit of anger, Kokate killed Singh with a knife. The police registered a case against Kokate under section 103 (1) (murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita on February 13 and subsequently arrested him. The court has remanded him to police custody for four days.
According to the FIR, the deceased, Sujit Singh, resided at Koldongri, Andheri East, with his wife and two sons. He operated Zed One Security Services, while the accused, Kokate, is a customs agent living in the same area.
On February 13, at 12:05 am, Singh, Kokate, and three of their friends were drinking on the ground near their residences. After consuming alcohol, Kokate and Singh began abusing each other over a minor issue. Singh’s wife, Poonam, heard the commotion and went to the ground. With the help of others, she brought Singh back home.
Soon after, Kokate approached Singh’s residence near the area and started shouting abuses. Singh heard his voice, went outside, and confronted Kokate. A physical altercation ensued between them. Although their friends tried to break up the fight, neither listened. In a fit of rage, Kokate allegedly threatened Singh, saying, “I will kill you,” before pulling out a knife from his pocket and stabbing Singh in the chest and right hand. Singh sustained injuries to the left side of his chest and his right hand, leading to profuse bleeding. Their friends and others intervened and pulled Kokate away.
Singh’s family rushed him to Cooper Hospital in Juhu, but he was pronounced dead by the doctors. The police registered the case based on a complaint from Singh’s wife.
A police officer stated, “They were drunk, and during their conversation over a petty matter, they started abusing each other. The deceased told Kokate, ‘I don’t talk to dogs,’ which escalated the argument and ultimately led to the murder.”
