Decomposed body found in car parked near Pune's Sarasbaug; police suspect murder

The body of a young man was found in a car parked opposite Nehru Stadium in Pune's crowded Sarasbaug area, causing alarm across the locality. Police have reached the spot and begun an investigation.

A four-wheeler had reportedly been parked unattended on the road in front of the stadium for the past two to three days. On Wednesday, a strong stench suddenly began to come from the car. Nearby residents grew suspicious and immediately informed Khadak police station. Police reached the spot and opened the car door. The man's body lay bloated on the seat. The car had been shut for several days, which is why the stench from the body was so strong.

According to police, the car is an Alto. Police said the body was found in a Maruti car, registration MH12 SF 5471, and that it is that of a man. Police estimate his age at between 25 and 30 years. Another account puts his age at 30 to 35 years. Initial information suggests he was a resident of Loni Kalbhor. It has also emerged that he had gone missing from within the limits of Kalepadal police station.

Police said a person from the Jain temple at Dadachi Wadi had called the control room in the morning and said a foul smell was coming from the vehicle. Police staff then reached the spot. After preliminary inquiry, the body has been taken to Sassoon Hospital and further action is under way. Police said the body may be one to two days old. Another account, however, says the death occurred three days ago.

Police suspect the man was murdered. Marks of assault have reportedly been seen on the body. Police said his brothers are on their way and will confirm the identification after seeing the body; only then will police confirm his name. This is all the preliminary information available for now, and the investigation is continuing.

The actual cause of death and how it happened will become clear only after the post-mortem report. Police are looking into who brought the car there and parked it, and whether there is any conspiracy behind it. Khadak police are examining CCTV footage from the area for this.