Quarrel over control of illicit liquor operations led to the killing of the woman who was a bootlegger, police said, adding that four of the assailants have been taken into custody. A hunt was launched for two more.

Ashabai Sudhakar Bhagat, the victim, was assaulted with swords and knives till she died on the spot, of wounds on face, back, limbs and vital parts. Her face was mauled beyond recognition, police sources said.

The arrested four have been identified as main suspect Bharat Kalicharan Yadav alias Akku, Vijay Chhotelal Yadav alias Dagrya, both residents of Kasturba Nagar, Mangesh Ashok Sangwale alias Don and Sandip Jairam Aalam, both hailing from Motibag. However, the weapons used in the murder were yet to be seized.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Ashabai had been operating anillicit liquor trade and was at loggerheads with Akku who wanted to set his own shop of bootlegging in the same locality.