The Local Crime Branch (LCB) of Jalna police on Friday arrested 58-year-old Abasaheb Ghodke, accused of murdering a 28-year-old man over a mobile phone and some cash.
The victim, identified as Rameshwar Pawar, a resident of Nanded, was found dead near the Jalna bus stand on Tuesday. The case had initially posed challenges due to low-quality CCTV footage, but investigators honed in on a critical clue — a two-wheeler with a goddess sticker and a partially blurred number plate — which ultimately led to Ghodke’s identification and arrest.
Speaking to reporters, District Superintendent of Police Ajaykumar Bansal said the murder occurred four days ago, when Pawar was on his way back to Nanded and encountered Ghodke, a local from Bhavani Nagar, near the bus stand.
The two reportedly consumed alcohol together, after which Ghodke tried to rob Pawar of his phone and money. When Pawar resisted, Ghodke strangled him and fatally hit him on the head, police said.
Ghodke, who allegedly struggles with alcohol addiction, is now in custody as police continue further investigation.
