Kidnapper,aide kill friend who blew the whistle

Police then rounded up Swami’s friends. They learnt that Dipesh Eknath Patil (20) was with Swami (20) and Mhatre on February 7. Police arrested Patil on Saturday.

Patil reportedly told police that he and Swami,Mhatre’s childhood friend,took Mhatre to a lonely spot in Thakurli,killed him and dumped his body in the creek nearby. “Patil told us that Swami had been planning the murder since February 4,” said the officer.

Patil told cops that in 2012,Mhatre informed police that Swami had kidnapped a minor girl from their locality. Swami was subsequently arrested.

After his release,had allegedly started stalking Mhatre. Between February 4 and 6,Swami tried to invite Mhatre to Thakurli for a drink with him,but Mhatre declined,police said.

On February 7,however,Mhatre finally relented. Mhatre,Patil and Swami went to Bhagshala restaurant in Thane for lunch and then sat near a creek to drink. After Mhatre got drunk,Swami allegedly assaulted him with an iron rod. He also allegedly broke a beer bottle and stabbed Mhatre before the two accused threw his body in the creek.

“Swami is still at large and Mhatre’s body has not been recovered yet,” added the officer.

Police claim

The arrested accused,Dipesh Eknath Patil (20), told police that in 2012,Mhatre informed the police that the main accused,Swami,had kidnapped a minor girl from their locality. Swami was subsequently arrested

After being released,Swami allegedly started stalking Mhatre. Between February 4 and 6,Swami tried to invite Mhatre to Thakurli to drink with him but Mhatre declined offer

On February 7,however,Mhatre,Patil and Swami went to a restaurant in Thane for lunch and later sat near a creek to drink. After Mhatre got drunk,Swami allegedly assaulted him with an iron rod. He also allegedly broke a beer bottle and stabbed Mhatre with it and dumped his body in the creek