Pune: The gruesome abduction and murder of a bullock cart owner in Pune’s Maval region have sent shockwaves through the area.

The victim, identified as Pandit Jadhav, was kidnapped by his tenant, Suraj Wankhede, and subsequently killed as part of a plan to extort ₹50 lakh from Jadhav’s family.

The Anti-Extortion Squad has apprehended Wankhede, while his accomplice, Ranjit Kumar, remains at large.

Police revealed that Suraj Wankhede, who had been staying as a tenant at Jadhav’s house, had become well-acquainted with the family’s financial status, even handling Jadhav’s mobile phone regularly.

Wankhede also assisted in the construction of Jadhav’s home, gaining further insight into his wealth.

On November 14, Wankhede lured Jadhav out of his house and, with the help of his friend Ranjit Kumar, abducted him.

Using Jadhav's mobile phone, the accused contacted Jadhav’s wife, demanding ₹50 lakh in ransom and threatening to harm Jadhav if the police were informed.

Before the family could respond, Wankhede strangled Jadhav to death with a rope. Despite the threats, the family approached the police, and with the help of technical analysis and CCTV footage, the Anti-Extortion Squad managed to apprehend Wankhede.

Gruesome Disposal of the Body

In a chilling development, Wankhede used Jadhav's phone to contact his family via WhatsApp, requesting their car, under the guise of using it for some errands. After acquiring the vehicle, Wankhede placed Jadhav's body inside, where it remained for a day.

Later, he drove the car to a secluded hill near Jadhavwadi, where he set the body on fire to destroy evidence. Wankhede revisited the site the next day to ensure the body was completely burned. The police are continuing their search for the second accused, Ranjit Kumar, and further investigations are underway.