Police suspect insider in Karve Nagar murders

Karve Nagar murders may be handiwork of person known to deceased, feel police; family says servants above suspicion

The police suspect an insider's involvement in Saturday's murder of two women in Karve Nagar. The family of the slain Smita Patki (52) and Sulabh Pachurkar (61), despite being in mourning, is co-operating with the police investigation.u00a0u00a0u00a0

While at this stage the police are saying the accused remain unidentified, their investigation and questioning of family and neighbours reveal the strong possibility of an acquaintance's involvement in the crime.

Safety first
According to Pratik Patki, Smita's elder son, she was very particular and never opened the door without confirming who the person knocking was. "We are trying to find out if someone posed as a courier delivery man or some such person and prompted her to open the door," he said.

According to Ram Pathare, police inspector, crime, relatives and neighbours had revealed that Smita was very apprehensive whenever unknown people came to her door. He said, "A lady informed us that she once left her phone in their house and when she returned to collect it, Smita first confirmed who it was by looking through the window. Such statements are making it clearer that the culprit could be someone known to the family."

Family questioned
The police also questioned the family on the possibility of the servants' involvment in the crime. Smita's son said, "These people have been workingu00a0 with usu00a0 for almost eight years. We trust them. There is no question of doubting them."

Sangram Singh Nishandar, ACP (Crime Branch), added, "We are working on vital clues. It's too early to disclose anything."u00a0 The police refused to divulge details of the post -ortem reports.