By Sagaya Fernando | March 30, 2026
Chandrapur, Maharashtra, INDIA: In a shocking case that surfaced three years after it was initially treated as a natural death, a woman police constable has been arrested for allegedly murdering her father by poisoning his milkshake.
The victim, Jayant Ballawar (45), a police constable posted in Chandrapur, died on April 25, 2023, after suddenly collapsing shortly after reaching the District Magistrate’s office for duty. At the time, his death was attributed to sudden illness, and no foul play was suspected. No post-mortem examination was conducted, and the case was subsequently closed.
However, the case took a dramatic turn last week when Arya Ballawar’s husband, Ashish Shedmake, approached the Ramnagar Police Station and confessed to the crime, implicating his wife and others in a premeditated murder conspiracy.
Planned murder over relationship dispute
According to police investigations, Arya Ballawar had been in a relationship with Ashish Shedmake since 2022. Her father strongly opposed the relationship, leading to frequent disputes within the family.
Police allege that the couple conspired to eliminate Jayant Ballawar. As part of the plan, Arya contacted her cousin, Chaitanya Gedam (22), who allegedly procured poison a day before the incident in exchange for ₹5,000. A fourth accused is believed to have supplied the toxic substance.
On the morning of April 25, 2023, Arya allegedly mixed the poison into a milkshake and handed it to her father before he left for work. He consumed the drink and departed, but soon after reaching the District Magistrate’s office, he felt unwell, collapsed, and later died.
Case remained buried for three years
Since the death appeared natural, no suspicion was raised at the time, allowing the alleged crime to go undetected for three years.
Following her father’s death, Arya secured a position in the police department on compassionate grounds. She later married Ashish Shedmake. Both were recruited into the Chandrapur Police Department in 2025.
Marital discord led to revelation
Investigators said the couple’s marriage soon turned turbulent, with frequent disputes. Ashish was eventually dismissed from police training due to indiscipline and misconduct. The relationship deteriorated further, with Arya reportedly continuing to live at her parental home.
Amid the ongoing conflicts, Ashish approached the police on March 23 and disclosed the alleged murder plot, stating that the act had been planned and executed with the involvement of Arya and her cousin.
Arrests and ongoing probe
Based on the confession, police arrested four individuals — Arya Ballawar, Ashish Shedmake, Chaitanya Gedam, and another person accused of supplying the poison. All are currently in custody.
Police officials said further investigation is underway to establish the full sequence of events and gather forensic and circumstantial evidence in the case that had remained hidden for years.
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