Mumbai Teens Kill Friend, Stage Drowning Death

Three minors have been detained by Mumbai Police for the alleged murder of their 14-year-old friend, Siddharth Londhe. The group reportedly intended to make the crime appear as an accidental drowning by dumping his body in Vihar Lake.

Contrary to initial suspicions of drowning, a post-mortem examination confirmed that Siddharth died due to a severe head injury inflicted by a blunt object. No water was found in his lungs or abdomen, ruling out drowning as the cause of death.

The accused, who are between 14 and 15 years old, have been sent to the Dongri remand home following a hearing by the Juvenile Justice Board. All four boys resided in the same locality in Bhandup West.

Investigators learned that the boys were allegedly upset with Siddharth, viewing him as arrogant. They allegedly took him near Vihar Lake to 'teach him a lesson,' striking him with a bamboo stick and then a second blow to the head with another stick, which proved fatal.

Upon realizing Siddharth was not breathing, the panicked minors removed his T-shirt and slippers, placed them near the lake's shore, and then submerged his body in the water. They aimed to create the illusion of an accidental drowning. Police have registered a murder case and are continuing their investigation.