Daijiworld Media Network – Raigad
Raigad, Nov 15: A shocking incident from Karakul Adivasi Wadi has left the region stunned after the mysterious death of a two-year-old boy, initially believed to be accidental, was later confirmed as a case of murder. The child, identified as Jaideep Ganesh Wagh, was found unconscious on the village road on November 8 and was rushed to the Government Hospital in Kalamb, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. Grief-stricken family members performed the last rites the same day.
However, suspicions deepened when Jaideep’s father noticed unusual marks around the child’s neck. The same evening, he found similar injury marks on the neck of his daughter, Darshana, which prompted him to immediately alert the police.
Neral Police took swift action and informed senior officials. Raigad Superintendent of Police Aanchal Dalal, Additional SP Abhijeet Shivathare and Karjat Sub-Divisional Police Officer Rahul Gaikwad personally intervened and made a crucial decision — to exhume the child’s body for post-mortem, despite the funeral already being performed. In the presence of the Tehsildar, a panchnama was conducted and the body was sent to Mumbai’s JJ Hospital for forensic analysis. The report changed the course of the entire investigation.
Under the instructions of senior officers, Neral Police Station’s in-charge Assistant Police Inspector Shivaji Dhawale formed a Special Investigation Team. The team included PSI Nitin Mandlik, API Sunil Shembade, Shrirang Kiswe, Raising Vasave, Pravin Lokhande, Rajaram Pingle, Mahesh Gore, Yuvraj Salunkhe, Nilesh Kondar and women police personnel Sharmila Hadal and Priyanka Bhor.
Through discreet inquiries, door-to-door verification and meticulous groundwork in the village, the police detained 18-year-old Dhanu alias Jaywanta Mukane for questioning. After sustained interrogation, she broke down and confessed to the horrifying crime. She admitted that Jaideep and his sister frequently fought with her twin children, and in a fit of rage, she strangled Jaideep and attempted to kill Darshana as well.
The chilling confession sent shockwaves through the village. What began as routine children’s quarrels ended in a brutal act that horrified the community. Thanks to the sensitivity, speed and skill of the Neral Police, the truth emerged within just 24 hours.
The accused has been arrested and produced before the court, which has remanded her to police custody till November 17, Raigad Police said. The revelation that the child’s death was not an accident but a premeditated act has cleared the confusion in the village and intensified demands for strict action.