Navi Mumbai skeleton may be of Sandhya, sister of Jatin-Lalit

A skeleton found along Palm Beach Road in Navi Mumbai may be of Sandhya Singh, sister of music composers Jatin-Lalit and actresses Vijeta and Sulakshana Pandit. While the family has identified the skeleton based on clothes and adornments found with it, police are awaiting DNA test reports to confirm identity of the deceased.

The skeleton —a skull and a few bones — were found near Delhi Public School by a group of birdwatchers Sunday. They called NRI police, who alerted Nerul police investigating disappearance of Sandhya.

Sandhya left her residence on December 13 with jewellery worth Rs 20 lakh to deposit in a bank, but went missing. Nerul police then contacted Jatin and Lalit Pandit.

“We have seen the skeleton and it bears the same clothes, ornaments and wig Sandhya was wearing. We are sure it is her skeleton. All that remains of her is a skull and a few bones. I cannot describe how traumatic it was to see her,” Lalit said.

He said had Navi Mumbai police investigated the disappearance of Sandhya seriously from the beginning, he might not have had to see this day. Police have taken a cautious stand. “The family says the skeleton is of Sandhya, but we have to wait for DNA reports. If reports confirm it to be hers, a murder case will be registered,” said commissioner A K Sharma.