Thane: A man recently released from prison in Kalyan was rearrested for committing a brutal murder, just months after gaining freedom due to good behaviour. The accused, identified as Chand alias Akbar Sheikh (30), allegedly killed a 74-year-old woman, Ranjana Patkar, to fund a food business he had planned to start.
According to reports quoting Kalyan Khadkpada police, Sheikh had been previously convicted in a murder case and was serving time in Adharwadi jail. After his early release, he had settled with his family in the Ambivli area. With an intention to start a momo-selling business but lacking the funds, Sheikh began observing Patkar’s movements, identifying her as a vulnerable target.
On March 20, he entered her residence under the pretext of asking for water. Once inside, he turned up the television volume to muffle any noise, then strangled the elderly woman to death. He looted gold jewellery, including a mangalsutra and earrings, worth approximately Rs 1.05 lakh before fleeing the scene.
Initially, the victim’s family suspected someone else and informed the police, who took the individual into custody. That person is currently in judicial custody at the same Adharwadi jail. However, investigators continued probing the case, interviewing over 100 local residents and closely monitoring known offenders.
According to a Lokmat Times report, a breakthrough came after police received a tip-off from an informant, leading them to Sheikh. Upon interrogation, he confessed to the crime, and the police recovered the stolen jewellery from him. The investigation also confirmed that Sheikh had carefully planned the robbery to gather startup capital for his business.
Senior police officers have commended the efforts of the Kalyan Khadkpada police for cracking the case. Authorities are now reviewing the wrongful arrest of the earlier suspect and are continuing to build a watertight case against Sheikh for both murder and robbery. The incident has raised concerns over monitoring of released convicts and the need for stricter post-release supervision.
