The Mumbai Police have successfully cracked the shocking murder case of Pratima Pawal Kispatta (25), whose body was discovered stuffed in a suitcase at Kurla's CST Road bridge. The primary suspect, Askar Manoj Barla (22), the victim's live-in partner, was apprehended by the authorities on Monday, shedding light on the incident that transpired on Saturday evening.
Both originating from Odisha, the couple crossed paths during the stringent COVID-19 lockdown while journeying back to their state from Mumbai. They later settled in Mumbai's Dharavi area, revealed officials.
Barla, employed at a sweet mart, and Pratima, previously working as a maid, had been cohabiting until Pratima left her job a few months earlier. Conflict brewed between them in recent times due to Barla's suspicions of Pratima's alleged involvement with another person, leading to frequent disputes, according to DCP (Detection) Raj Tilak Roshan.
Tragically, the altercation on Saturday resulted in Barla fatally strangling Pratima in a fit of anger. He devised a plan to dispose of her body by concealing it in a suitcase. Initially intending to transport the body out of Mumbai from Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT), he altered his plan and abandoned the suitcase near the ongoing Metro project at Kurla West, only to return to LTT and depart for Odisha via the Godan Express.
Realizing the train's destination didn't align with his plans, Barla landed at Thane, purchasing fresh tickets for Odisha. Meanwhile, the Mumbai crime branch, investigating the case, received crucial information from the victim's sister in Odisha, setting off a series of investigative breakthroughs.
Utilizing CCTV footage and technical support, the crime branch swiftly tracked down Barla at Thane Railway Station, thwarting his attempt to abscond. Upon interrogation at the Mumbai crime branch, Barla confessed to the murder.
The police's dissemination of the victim's photo, particularly within the Christian community due to the rosary found on her, proved instrumental. A church priest identified Pratima, leading the authorities to her residence, where her identification and pertinent documents were recovered.
The accused, Barla, remains in custody while the Mumbai crime branch continues its ongoing investigation into the harrowing case.