An argument over a Rs 50 fare difference allegedly turned fatal in Vashi in the early hours of August 29, when an 18-year-old autorickshaw driver was allegedly attacked and killed by two passengers.
The Navi Mumbai Crime Branch and Vashi Police in Maharashtra have arrested two 20-year-old men, identified as Sahil Ananda Surve and Sahil Yashwant Kharat, in connection with the murder.
The accused are scheduled to be produced before a court on Tuesday, September 1.
Fare dispute escalates
According to the police, victim Sujan Feku Mahto, a resident of Ghansoli, picked up the two passengers near Koparkhairane station at around 3.36 am on August 29. Mahto reportedly quoted a fare of Rs 150 for the ride to Mankhurd, while the duo allegedly insisted that they had only Rs 100.
The disagreement escalated near Hanuman Mandir in Sector 5, Vashi, where the accused allegedly threatened Mahto with sharp weapons and forcibly took him along.
Driver attacked near Mini Seashore
Police said the group later reached the Mini Seashore Garden area near Fortis Hospital. During the journey, Mahto received a call from another passenger.
Mahto allegedly told the accused that he had to pick up another passenger and asked them to get down. This reportedly led to another argument, following which the accused allegedly attacked him with sharp weapons.
The attackers repeatedly struck Mahto on his head, neck and hand, police said. He succumbed to his injuries, while the accused allegedly fled from the spot with his autorickshaw.
Police scan 150 CCTV cameras
Following the murder, teams from the Navi Mumbai Crime Branch, including Unit-1 and the Central Control Room, along with Vashi police, launched a joint investigation.
Investigators scanned CCTV footage from the crime scene and the suspected route taken by the accused. They also examined Mahto's call records as part of the probe.
Bhausaheb Dhole, assistant commissioner of police, crime, said, “We scanned more than 150 CCTV cameras over 48 hours. We prepared sketches and shared details of the accused’s hulia with informers in the Mankhurd area. We also checked Mahto’s call details and, based on the investigation, traced the accused to their homes in Mankhurd.”
Accused arrested in Mankhurd
Police subsequently traced and arrested Surve and Kharat at their homes in Mankhurd. Both allegedly confessed to the killing during interrogation, police said.
According to investigators, Surve has a previous case registered at Trombay police station under Sections 307 and 326 of the Indian Penal Code and relevant provisions of the Arms Act. He was reportedly released on bail on October 7, 2025.
Vashi Police are conducting further investigations into the case. The accused will be produced before a court on September 1.
0 Comments