The city police in Jalna have successfully arrested the main accused in a shocking honour killing case. The accused, Gitaram Kirtishahi, was taken into custody on Sunday. Kirtishahi was allegedly responsible for the brutal killing of his son-in-law, Amit Salunkhe, following a dispute over caste.
Gitaram’s daughter, Vidya, had married Amit Salunkhe about a month before the tragic incident. Gitaram and his family opposed the marriage because Amit was from a different caste. On the night of July 14, at around 11:30 PM, Gitaram, along with his nephew Appasaheb Kirtishahi, attacked Amit. The duo stabbed Amit multiple times, causing severe injuries to his stomach and legs. Amit was rushed to the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), where he succumbed to his injuries on July 25.
The case sent shockwaves through the community, and Amit’s family, along with his wife Vidya, pushed for the immediate arrest of the accused. Police officials, under the leadership of DCP Nitin Bagate, intensified the search for Gitaram. While Appasaheb Kirtishahi was arrested on Saturday in the Phulambri area, Gitaram’s whereabouts remained unknown for several days.
However, with the help of local informants, the police discovered that Gitaram Kirtishahi was hiding at the house of his son-in-law in Jalna. A police team laid a trap and successfully arrested Gitaram. Along with him, Swapnil Patekar, his son-in-law, was also arrested for providing shelter to the fugitive. Patekar, aged 28, was taken into custody for his involvement in helping Gitaram evade the law.
This case highlights the tragic consequences of caste-based discrimination and underscores the police’s swift action in bringing justice to the victim’s family.
