The Tuljapur police have cracked the case surrounding the disappearance of 58-year-old Chitra Patil, whose body was recently discovered near the Naldurg Road bridge on the Solapur-Latur bypass in Dharashiv district.
Investigations led to the arrest of 21-year-old Om Nikam, a well-off neighbour and frequent visitor to Patil’s home. Police confirmed that Nikam strangled Chitra Patil to death and stole her gold jewellery, which she wore regularly.
Chitra Patil, who lived in Tuljapur with her son Sangram Patil, was reportedly close to the accused and treated him like a family member. However, greed appears to have motivated the crime. According to police, Patil often wore around 15 to 16 tolas of gold, including a 1.5 tola chain and bangles, which drew Nikam’s interest.
On Sunday, her body was found without the gold ornaments, raising immediate suspicion. An autopsy confirmed death by strangulation. Tuljapur police inspector Anil Manjare stated that Nikam confessed to the crime during interrogation.
Based on Sangram Patil’s complaint, police registered an offence under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and Nikam was presented in court on Monday. He has been remanded to police custody until July 25 as investigations continue.
