Two accused in Nagpur artificial jewellery seller's murder still absconding after 2.5 years

Nagpur: The murder of their only son has shattered a family. Four children have lost their father. His elderly parents are still waiting for justice, but two accused in the killing remain out of police reach even after two and a half years. The parents have been making rounds of the Hudkeshwar police station to press for their arrest, but the question of when their plea will bring firm action remains unanswered.

The case concerns the murder of Ranjeet Rathod, an artificial jewellery seller. The police are not showing seriousness about arresting the absconding accused, the family says. The case is being heard in court, but the failure so far to catch the absconding accused raises questions about police functioning. Ranjeet's distraught parents narrated their plight through Prime Time 24 and appealed for the immediate arrest of the accused.

Life taken over a petty dispute

Ranjeet Babulal Rathod, 33, a resident of Dnyaneshwar Nagar on Manewada Road, was murdered on April 6, 2024. Ranjeet had gone with a friend to a paan stall. Jitu Jadhav, Akash Raut, Savita Sayre, Jayshree Panjare and Praveen Sayre were present there. It is alleged that a dispute began over Ranjeet looking at them. After abuse was hurled, Ranjeet tried to calm the matter by offering an explanation, but the accused attacked him with sharp weapons and killed him.

Police arrested Akash Raut, Savita Sayre and Jayshree Panjare in the case. Savita and Jayshree were later granted bail by the Supreme Court, while Akash Raut remains in jail. Jitu Jadhav and Praveen Sayre are still absconding. The case is being heard in court.

Ranjeet's family now fear even going to court for the hearings. During a hearing, a criminal who came on behalf of the accused allegedly threatened to enter Ranjeet's sister's house and kill her. The family says that when she went to the Hudkeshwar police station to file a complaint, she was allegedly turned away with the remark that a fresh case would begin if a complaint was registered. If the victim's family faced difficulty in filing a complaint even after receiving a threat, it is a very serious matter. The family demands that the threat be investigated and action taken against those responsible.

Suspected link to MD drug trafficking

According to sources, the absconding accused are linked to the Sharif gang of MD drug peddlers in Sitabuldi. The family suspect that the accused are allegedly involved in MD trafficking, and that this is why there is laxity in arresting them. This allegation has not been independently confirmed. The police should investigate the alleged link and clarify the position.

After Ranjeet's murder, tension had spread in the Manewada area. Residents had held a candle march demanding strict action against the accused. Even so, the failure to arrest the absconding accused is increasing the family's distress. Ranjeet's mother Jeevibai Rathod and father Babulal Rathod demand that all the accused involved in their son's murder be arrested and given severe punishment.

Future of four children at stake

Ranjeet was the only son in his family. After his murder, his wife Laxmi has been left with the responsibility of raising two sons and two daughters. On one side is worry over the children's future, and on the other the elderly parents sit with the grief of losing their son, hoping for justice. The question is when the absconding accused will be arrested, and whether the Hudkeshwar police will heed the family's plea and take firm action, or whether Ranjeet's parents will have to keep making rounds of the police station for justice.