Youth kills friend, surrenders to police

 

By Sumesh Rajan | June 19, 2025

Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, INDIA: A 20-year-old man has been arrested for the brutal killing of his 22-year-old friend in a forested area of Turbhe MIDC in Navi Mumbai city located in the western Indian state of Maharashtra. 

The suspect, identified as Suresh Dunu Honhaga, voluntarily surrendered to the police on Tuesday June 17 morning and confessed to the crime, which reportedly stemmed from a long-standing personal dispute.

According to the police, the victim, Sanjay Prakash Behera, and Honhaga were long-time friends residing near the Ajvani Quarry in the Mahape industrial area. On Monday June 16 evening, the duo ventured into the forested region of Parsik hills behind the Bawkhaleshwar Temple to catch crabs in a monsoon-fed stream. An argument over a past issue escalated, leading to the fatal assault, says the police.

“In a sudden outburst of anger, Honhaga attacked Behera, slashing his throat with a sharp blade. After the victim collapsed, he further struck his head with a large stone,” said Senior Police Inspector Aabasaheb Patil.

Honhaga fled the scene and returned home, attempting to behave as if nothing had happened. However, fearing imminent arrest—especially after realizing his family had seen him leave with Behera—he appeared at the Turbhe MIDC police station around 9 am on June 17 and confessed.

Following his admission, police teams accompanied Honhaga to the remote location of the crime, around 2 kilometers uphill through dense and rugged terrain. It took over two hours for officers and forensic experts to reach the body, which was found near the stream.

Behera’s body has been sent for a post-mortem examination, and a case of murder has been registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. Investigators are continuing to probe the motive and circumstances, including whether the act was premeditated.