A bitter family conflict over real estate and financial settlements culminated in a lethal shooting at a popular hospitality venue in Lonavala within Pune district. The violent confrontation occurred on October 5 on the premises of Hotel Motiram in Bhushi village, claiming the life of 33-year-old Abhay Manik Marathe. While the household initially presented the tragedy as an unfortunate weapon misfire during routine cleaning, rigorous scrutiny by Pune Rural Police and local investigators exposed deliberate homicide. The primary suspect named in the killing is the victim's 83-year-old grandfather, Motiram Marathe.
The Initial Cover Story of an Accidental Discharge
Immediately following the gunfire, relatives claimed that the elderly patriarch was maintaining his firearm when it discharged unexpectedly, critically wounding Abhay. The injured young man was hurried to medical care, but he succumbed to trauma during emergency treatment. Operating on early statements provided by those present, the Lonavala city police initially registered an accidental death inquiry. The victim was the son of Manik Marathe, an individual who formerly served as a municipal corporator in Lonavala town, drawing considerable public attention to the incident.
Autopsy Findings and Witnesses Shatter the Façade
The course of the inquiry shifted dramatically once forensic experts conducted a post-mortem examination. The nature of the physical trauma, bullet trajectory, and wound patterns raised immediate alarms for the investigative unit. Sensing foul play, the Pune Rural crime branch joined forces with municipal detectives to re-examine the incident. Extensive interviews with hotel staff, waiters, and eyewitnesses stationed nearby contradicted the cleaning theory, cementing police deductions that this was an intentional assault rather than a tragic mishap.
Simmering Disagreements Over Assets and Funds
Subsequent interrogation and background checks revealed deep-seated hostility between the octogenarian and his grandson regarding wealth division and financial transactions. On the afternoon of October 5, fresh friction erupted over monetary dealings between Motiram and Abhay. As the verbal quarrel escalated into uncontrolled rage, the elder fetched his licensed weapon and discharged a round directly into his grandson's chest. The catastrophic injury proved fatal almost instantaneously.
Five Relatives Accused of Destroying Crime Scene Evidence
The scope of the criminal case has expanded beyond the octogenarian shooter to include five additional members of the Marathe household. Law enforcement agencies booked these relatives on charges of tampering with critical evidence, fabricating an accidental discharge narrative, and attempting to shield the accused from prosecution. Investigators established that concerted efforts were made inside the premises to manipulate the scene before official responders arrived.
Decades-Old Hunting Arm Used in the Slaying
Details released by Pune Rural Superintendent of Police Sandeep Singh Gill confirmed that Motiram Marathe legally owned two hunting weapons. Driven by a passion for game hunting decades ago, he had procured a 12-bore weapon in 1970 and acquired a second licensed piece in 1980. Ballistic confirmation identified one of these antique firearms as the murder weapon deployed during the fatal altercation on October 5. Officers have impounded the arms and continue documentation for trial proceedings.
