A bitter family conflict over real estate turned deadly in the hill station of Lonavala, where an 83-year-old grandfather allegedly shot and killed his 33-year-old grandson. The victim, identified as practicing lawyer Abhay Marathe, died instantly from a gunshot wound to the chest. While the family initially attempted to pass off the tragedy as an accidental discharge from a hunting rifle, rigorous forensic and police investigation dismantled their claims, exposing a premeditated murder followed by an elaborate attempt to destroy evidence.
Hospital Autopsy and Inconsistencies in the Accidental Fire Story
Following the shooting, Abhay's body was transferred to Sassoon Hospital in Pune for an autopsy. When local police questioned family members at the medical facility, the explanations offered regarding how the firearm went off seemed entirely inconsistent with the physical evidence. Sandeep Singh Gill, Superintendent of Police for Pune Rural, noted that the nature and placement of the gunshot wound on Abhay's chest did not align with an unintended misfire. Accidental discharges typically create distinct entry trajectories and contact injuries that were noticeably absent, raising immediate red flags among investigating officers.
Crime Branch Detectives Uncover Blood Spatters at Hotel Scene
Prompted by the suspicious post-mortem findings, a team from the local crime branch visited the hotel where the incident occurred. Upon inspecting the reception area, detectives discovered a large bloodstain on the wall situated near the counter. Furthermore, blood splatters were detected at a height of approximately five feet from the floor. These physical markers clearly indicated that Abhay was standing upright when the bullet struck him, strongly contradicting the narrative that the weapon had discharged while lying down or being handled casually. Subsequent questioning of the hotel manager and staff confirmed an ongoing dispute.
Deadly Clash Over Property Sale Plans
Interrogations revealed that tension had been simmering between Abhay and his grandfather, Motiram Marathe, over plans to dispose of a family-owned property. Abhay favored selling the land, but Motiram was adamantly opposed to the transaction, creating persistent friction between the two. The conflict escalated dramatically around 11:30 AM on Monday when another heated argument broke out at the hotel. As tempers flared, Abhay advanced toward his grandfather, prompting Motiram to pull out his licensed rifle and fire directly into his grandson's chest, killing him on the spot.
Four Relatives Arrested for Concealing Evidence and Removing DVR
Immediately following the shooting, relatives rushed to orchestrate a cover-up to protect Motiram and deceive law enforcement authorities. Abhay's sister, uncle, aunt, and cousin converged on the premises, moving the body into a hotel room to conceal it from public view. The group also dismantled the surveillance system, removing the security cameras along with the digital video recorder (DVR), while threatening hotel employees to ensure their silence. Only after these measures were completed did the relatives notify Abhay's parents about his death.
Police have arrested four individuals on charges of destroying evidence and attempting to mislead investigators. The arrested persons include the victim's sister Rajashree Pawar, his 54-year-old uncle Hiraman Marathe, his aunt Kavita Marathe, and his 32-year-old cousin Manoj Marathe. Investigators are currently tracing where the surveillance hardware was stashed. Authorities also noted that Motiram possessed two licensed rifles originally procured for hunting back in 1970, and ballistic experts are working to confirm which specific firearm was used in the fatal shooting alongside tracking the weapon's post-incident movements.
