Man Detained in Connection with the Murder of Young Woman in Navi Mumbai

Mumbai: A man has been detained in connection with the brutal murder of Yashashree Shinde, a 20-year-old woman whose body was found in the bushes near a railway station in Navi Mumbai’s Uran last week. The victim had been reported missing, and her body, bearing multiple stab wounds, was discovered on June 27.

The detained man, identified as Mohsin from Karnataka, was in constant contact with Yashashree, according to phone call records. The police are investigating his link to the main suspect, Mohammed Daud Shaikh, who is currently on the run. Mohsin is expected to be brought to Uran for further interrogation.

Police Investigate Possible Motive in Grisly Murder Case

Yashashree, who lived in Uran and worked in Belapur, left her home on July 25, telling her family she was going to meet a friend. When she did not return, her family lodged a missing person complaint. Two days later, her mutilated body was found near Uran railway station. An autopsy confirmed multiple injuries and stab wounds.

Love Affair Turned Tragic

Initial investigations suggest that Yashashree's murder may have been the result of a love affair gone wrong. The primary suspect, Shaikh, was previously in a relationship with Yashashree, which her family disapproved of. The victim's parents alleged that Shaikh murdered their daughter as retaliation for a 2019 molestation complaint filed against him, for which he was booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. After being released on bail, Shaikh moved to Karnataka, where he worked as a driver.

Political Reactions and 'Love Jihad' Allegations

The case has taken a political turn, with senior BJP leader Dr. Kirit Somaiya describing the incident as 'love-jihad' and calling on Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to ensure justice for Yashashree’s family. Dr. Somaiya, along with Uran BJP MLA Mahesh Baldi, visited the Shinde residence, expressing their support and demanding swift action.

Ongoing Manhunt and Investigation

Multiple police teams have been dispatched across Maharashtra and Karnataka to trace Shaikh. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone II) Vivek Pansare is personally overseeing the investigation. The authorities are committed to finding Shaikh and bringing him to justice, ensuring that Yashashree’s family receives the justice they seek.