Shiv Sena leader murder: Main suspect caught in Silvassa

Palghar

The police arrested the main suspect in the kidnapping and murder of Shiv Sena leader Ashok Dhodi on Sunday from Silvassa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, an official said. Avinash Raman Dhodi, 60, the victim’s brother, had been on the run for five months before being caught early morning in Morkhal, according to Yatish Deshmukh, Superintendent of Police, Palghar.

Five others had already been arrested in connection with the crime that happened in January. Ashok Dhodi, 52, disappeared on January 19, and his body was found later after police located his car submerged in a water-filled quarry in Gujarat.

Deshmukh explained that Avinash was angry because Ashok had filed a request with the local Gram Panchayat to cancel Avinash’s house lease, which led to his eviction. On January 19, while Ashok was traveling from Dahanu to his home, Avinash and his associates stopped his car at Vevji Ghat, kidnapped him, and later killed him. They disposed of his body and car in the quarry at Sarigam Wadiapada, Gujarat.

The FIR was registered under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita on January 27. A special police team searched multiple locations, including Gujarat, Daman, Silvassa, Indore, and Rajasthan. So far, six people have been arrested, while three suspects remain at large. The search continues.