17 April,2018 03:00 PM IST | Mumbai | Anurag Kamble
Ashwini Bidre
Navi Mumbai police's investigation in the murder of assistant inspector Ashwini Bidre has reached a crucial stage. After several searches of the Vasai Creek over many months for her mortal remains, officers have finally procured a special machine that can locate underwater objects with more accuracy.
The search operation, which the police consider will be the last that will give them a crucial breakthrough, will begin from today. Initially, Navy divers had tried to locate the trunk in which main accused Abhay Kurundkar had allegedly put Bidre's body parts.
After getting no success, the police had hired a private agency for the search. "We used a gradiometer to ascertain presence of metal objects underwater, and now have nine probable spots, where an extensive search will be carried out," said an officer. "The hi-tech machine, magnetometer, has arrived from Iran. We expect it will take hardly a day to complete the search."
ALSO READ
Traffic disrupted at Mumbra bypass after container truck hits road divider
Congress will probe defeat, ensure Mahayuti fulfils its poll promises: Patole
Maharashtra won't have LoP: Bawankule
Maharashtra elections 2024: A battle of the young and the old
We are not disappointed, we are people who fight, says Sanjay Raut
Another officer said, "Of the nine locations the gradiometer threw up, two gave off strong signals, ie the likelihood of metal objects there is high. But due to thick and hard mud underneath, it's hard to get the exact location. The magnetometer will tell us the exact nature of the object and its precise location, so that divers won't have to spend a lot of time underwater." A Navi Mumbai-based company facilitating the search operation will be bringing the machine, rent or expense of which hasn't been confirmed yet.
Also Read: Ashwini Bidre Murder: Cops Record Strong Metal Signals Emanating From A Couple Of Spots
Catch up on all the latest Mumbai news, crime news, current affairs, and also a complete guide on Mumbai from food to things to do and events across the city here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates