Mumbai police arrest five for alleged contract killing of woman in Ghatkopar

Police in Mumbai have arrested five individuals, including a mother-in-law, in connection with the murder of 39-year-old Sapna Pramod Ganji in the Ghatkopar area. The incident, initially reported as an accidental fall in a bathroom on August 16, was revealed to be a planned murder following a post-mortem examination and police investigation.

Authorities allege that the victim's mother-in-law, Dhanlaxmi Ganji, conspired to kill Sapna by offering a 3 lakh rupee contract to a former domestic worker, Manglabai Jadhav, and her family. The arrested group includes Dhanlaxmi, Manglabai, her husband Suresh, and their two children, Shivani and Sajan.

Investigations suggest the motive stemmed from long-standing disputes, including a domestic violence complaint filed by Sapna in 2024. Police noted that the victim had visible injuries, including marks around her neck and head trauma, contradicting initial claims that she had slipped while intoxicated. The investigation is ongoing.