Wife, auto driver arrested for jeweller's murder; son detained

By Sagaya Fernando | March 02, 2025

Ulwe police in Navi Mumbai (in Maharashtra state, India) arrested a 35-year-old woman and an auto-rickshaw driver on February 26, 2025, for the murder of her husband, a 40-year-old jeweller, on February 22. Another suspect, her alleged lover, is on the run but has been traced to Sindhudurg. Her 16-year-old son, who helped dispose of the body, has been detained and sent to a juvenile home in Karjat as per court orders.

Crime Details and Investigation

The victim, Sachin More, a resident of Reddy Villa Society in Ulwe’s Sector 23, was

allegedly drugged and strangled by his wife, Reshma More. She attempted to strangle him with her dupatta after giving him sedative-laced juice, but when she found him still semi-conscious, she smothered him while transporting his body in an auto-rickshaw. With the help of her son and the driver, Prathamesh Mhatre (36), they dumped the body in Wahal Creek Bridge on the morning of February 23.

Breakthrough and Arrests

Initially, an accidental death case was registered, but the post-mortem report revealed smothering as the cause of death. Senior Inspector Arjun Rajane of Ulwe police station stated that CCTV footage provided crucial leads. Investigators also discovered that Reshma’s lover had allegedly arranged for the sedative pills.

Motive and Legal Action

During interrogation, Reshma claimed she killed her husband due to years of alleged sexual harassment spanning 15 years. The police have arrested Reshma and Mhatre, who have been remanded to custody until March 5. Meanwhile, authorities are working to apprehend the third suspect.

The case highlights the role of forensic evidence and surveillance technology in solving crimes, shedding light on the complexities of domestic violence and its tragic consequences.