Hotel Shooting Over Property Dispute Leaves Man Dead, Grandfather Among 5 Arrested
MAHARASHTRA: A Maharashtra Hotel Murder investigation in Lonavala has taken a major turn after police arrested an 83-year-old man and four relatives over the alleged shooting death of his grandson at a family-run hotel. Police said the killing followed a dispute over property, while the family initially claimed the gun had accidentally discharged.
The victim, Abhay Manik Marathe, was shot at Motiram Hotel in Bhushi village on October 5. Police later found evidence that raised doubts about the original account and began investigating the death as a deliberate shooting.
Property Dispute Shooting Raises Police Suspicion
Police said the family initially told investigators that Abhay had been handling or cleaning his grandfather Motiram Rawoji Marathe’s licensed 12-bore rifle when it accidentally fired.
The explanation came under scrutiny during the post-mortem examination. Investigators reportedly found no tattooing or smoke marks around the gunshot wound, findings that raised questions about the claimed circumstances of the discharge.
A subsequent inspection of the hotel also produced blood evidence in two locations. Police said blood was found near the spot where Abhay was believed to have been shot, as well as on a wall near a doorway.
According to the Indian Express, investigators later learned that Abhay and Motiram had been involved in a disagreement over the future of family property.
Five Family Members Arrested
Police allege that the dispute escalated into a confrontation on the morning of October 5, after which Motiram allegedly shot Abhay with his licensed rifle.
The case has also brought allegations of a wider Family Betrayal into focus. Police allege that four other relatives helped conceal the incident and remove evidence from the hotel.
Those arrested alongside Motiram were identified as Hiraman Motiram Marathe, Manoj Hiraman Marathe, Kavita Hiraman Marathe and Rajshree Dashrath Pawar.
Investigators allege that CCTV cameras and the hotel’s digital video recorder were removed and hidden. The five accused have been booked under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Arms Act.
Police Investigate Alleged Family Betrayal
The arrests followed a joint investigation by the Pune Rural Police’s Local Crime Branch and Lonavala City Police.
The Property Dispute Shooting remains an allegation at this stage. Police have said their findings point away from an accidental discharge, but the allegations against the accused will have to be established through the legal process.
The case has drawn attention because what initially appeared to be an accidental firearm death at a hotel is now being investigated as a Maharashtra Hotel Murder involving several members of the same family.
The alleged Family Betrayal has also become a central part of the investigation as police examine why the CCTV equipment was allegedly removed and whether all five accused played the roles investigators have attributed to them.
The investigation remains ongoing, and further evidence could clarify the sequence of events and the alleged motive.
