A land dispute turned fatal on Monday evening when a man was allegedly run over by his cousin in what was initially projected as a road accident, police said.
The accused, identified as Akshay Sathe and Gokul Kokare (23), have been arrested. The victim, Mahesh Sathe (34), a resident of Bhavrapur village in Haveli taluka, died on the spot. According to investigators, Mahesh was riding his motorcycle when a car struck him from behind, causing him to lose control and sustain fatal injuries. The vehicle was allegedly driven by Akshay, his cousin, with Kokare accompanying him. Sachin Wangade, senior police inspector at Uruli Kanchan police station, said the two cousins had an ongoing dispute over agricultural land.
Earlier that day, Mahesh had visited the Uruli Kanchan police station to file a complaint, alleging that Akshay and Kokare had assaulted him. While he was returning home, the duo allegedly followed him and deliberately rammed his motorcycle.
Police said Akshay initially attempted to pass off the incident as an accident. However, during questioning, he admitted that the act was intentional. Both accused have been charged with murder under Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to intentional killing.