Minor who killed Ashok Sawant was lured with big money, got paid Rs 500 instead

Two of the accused involved in the case were arrested on Tuesday

A day after the Samta Nagar police arrested two accused involved in the murder of 62-year-old ex-Shiv Sena corporator Ashok Sawant, it has been revealed that a 17-year-old youth is also involved in the case. Following his arrest on Tuesday, he was sent to a correction home. Investigation has revealed that the minor was lured with huge amounts of money and dreams of a lavish life.

Three at large
According to sources, the arrested accused have been identified as Suhail Dodiya, who conducted recces around Sawant's residence in Dahisar, and autorickshaw driver Ganesh Jokdand. Main accused Jagdesh Pawar aka Jagga, Abhishek Mane and Anil Waghmare are absconding. Police sources said the minor, who was studying in a reputed Pune college, came in touch with the others several months ago. While his father is the president of an NGO working for human rights and owns a lamination business, his mother is a housewife.

Soon after he became familiar with the other accused, they started inviting him to all their parties. Eventually, he became a part of their group and got addicted to drugs and alcohol. Over the last 45 days, he visited Mumbai several times to party with the gang, who continued to fulfil all his demands. A police officer said, "When the other members of the gang realised that the boy desired to lead a lavish life, they dragged him into their plan and promised a huge amount of money in return."

Minor attacks first
During interrogation, the police came to know that for three days prior to the murder, the accused were keeping a watch on Sawant's movements. After having dinner with members of Samtanagar Rahivasi Federation at Hotel Avenue, when Sawant left for home on his bike with his friend Vinod Sonavne, the accused followed him in an auto. While moving alongside the bike, the minor accused kicked the two-wheeler, throwing Sawant and Sonavne off the vehicle. Thereafter, he attacked Sawant with a knife.

The officer added, "After the boy's move, the others attacked Sawant and killed him. Later, the others paid the minor R500 and asked him to leave. His blood-stained clothes were recovered from his house in Pune." Speaking to mid-day, Anil Mane, senior inspector from Samta Nagar police station, said, "The motive behind the murder isn't clear yet. It will be known only after the arrest of the absconding accused."

Rs 500
Amount the minor was paid on the spot

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