19-Year-Old Woman, Friend Arrested for Alleged Murder of Cab Driver in Navi Mumbai
Navi Mumbai:
The Navi Mumbai Police on Monday arrested a 19-year-old woman and her 21-year-old friend for allegedly murdering a cab driver who had reportedly blackmailed her and demanded sexual favors.
The accused, identified as Rhea Sarkanyasingh and Vishal Shinde, surrendered at the Sangamner police station after fleeing there post-incident. Law enforcement officials from Navi Mumbai were informed and later took custody of the pair.
According to the police, Rhea, originally from Punjab, had recently moved to Ulwe Sector 24 in Navi Mumbai in search of employment. She became acquainted with Surendra Pandey, 43, a cab driver who initially offered her accommodation at his residence when she was struggling to find a place to stay.
Authorities allege that on April 2, when Vishal visited Rhea at Pandey’s house, the cab driver secretly recorded videos of the couple during an intimate moment. He then allegedly used the footage to blackmail Rhea and demand sexual favors.
Following this, an altercation ensued during which the accused allegedly attacked Pandey with a hammer, resulting in his death. The duo then fled to Vishal’s hometown in Sangamner.
Subsequently, after being persuaded by Vishal’s family, the accused turned themselves in to local police. Upon receiving the information, Navi Mumbai Police recovered Pandey’s body from his Ulwe residence on April 6, four days after the alleged murder.
A team from Navi Mumbai later traveled to Sangamner to take custody of the accused, who are now facing charges in connection with the homicide.
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