Home / Crime and Justice / Pet Feed Clue Cracks Hotelier Murder Case
Pet Feed Clue Cracks Hotelier Murder Case
24 Apr
Summary
- Police solved the hotelier's murder in under 12 hours.
- A pet feed sack label provided the crucial clue to the killer.
- The motive involved alleged derogatory comments and loan interest.
Police swiftly cracked the murder of 38-year-old hotelier Rahul Shahu, bringing the case to a close within 12 hours. The investigation took a decisive turn when officers discovered a sack used to dispose of the body near the Nara crematorium, bearing a label from puppy chicken milk pet feed. This crucial clue directed Jaripatka police to Naveen Pundkar, a 46-year-old e-rickshaw driver and former pet shop owner.
Pundkar confessed that Shahu lent him ₹35,000 at a high interest rate. Even after repayment, Shahu allegedly continued to harass Pundkar and made offensive remarks about his teenage daughter, offering to waive the interest in exchange for inappropriate favors. Enraged, Pundkar lured Shahu to his rented home on April 20.
A heated argument ensued, leading Pundkar to fatally stab Shahu multiple times. He then wrapped the body in a blanket, concealed it in sacks, and disposed of it under a bridge near Nara Ghat late at night. Shahu had been reported missing by his brother on April 21. The autopsy confirmed 16 stab wounds, indicative of a frenzied attack.
