Toddler’s body found in bathroom loft, neighbour arrested for murder

Sagaya Fernando | March 28, 2025

Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India – A 29-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the murder of a toddler in Taloja, Navi Mumbai. The suspect, identified as Mohammed Ansari, allegedly strangled the two-year-old girl before concealing her body in a rexene bag on the bathroom loft of her own house.

The incident came to light on March 26 night after the victim’s family, who had been searching for their missing daughter since March 25 afternoon, detected a foul odour in their home. Upon investigation, they discovered the hidden bag containing the child’s remains.

Investigation and Arrest

Authorities launched an extensive search operation after the child, Harshika Sharma (aged two years and ten months), was reported missing by her father, Amrish Sharma. She had last been seen playing in the common veranda of her residential building, Mauli Krupa, in Devicha Pada.

Following initial inquiries, police zeroed in on Ansari, a neighbour residing in an adjacent flat with his wife and three young sons. Investigators determined that the bag in which the child’s body was found belonged to him, leading to his arrest.

According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone II) Prashant Mohite, Ansari allegedly harboured resentment towards the victim’s family due to frequent disputes between his wife and the child’s mother over their children playing together. Moreover, Ansari had recently lost INR 42,000 (approximately USD 500) in an online gambling game and had intended to extort money from the victim’s father after committing the crime.

“The accused exploited a moment when the child’s mother was inside her house. He lured the girl, strangled her with a shoelace, and concealed her in a bag,” said DCP Mohite.

“As the police launched a search operation in the building, he could not dispose of the body and instead hid it in the loft of her own bathroom when the family was out looking for her.”

Legal Proceedings

Ansari was taken into custody and is expected to be presented before the court, where police will seek his remand for further interrogation. Authorities have ruled out the involvement of any other individuals in the crime.

The case has sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting concerns over safety and rising tensions in urban residential complexes. The Taloja police and Navi Mumbai Crime Branch are continuing their investigation to ensure justice for the victim’s family.