A 25-year-old Matunga resident was allegedly stabbed by her cousin on Wednesday, four years after she helped the police arrest him for murder.
Pushpa Shetty was asleep at her residence in Shahu Nagar, Matunga on Wednesday night when Mutthu Shetty (30) — who had served a prison term for murdering another cousin — and his accomplice sneaked into her house and allegedly stabbed her with a chopper.
Shetty is in critical condition at Sion hospital. Mutthu is absconding, the Shahu Nagar police said.
Pushpa had reported the crime committed by Mutthu to the police, which finally led to his sentencing. “Mutthu had been sentenced to prison for three years and was released eight months ago,” said Senior Police Inspector Mahadeo Gundawadi of the Shahu Nagar police.
After Mutthu came back from prison he and Pushpa fought regularly over a property issue, the police said. “A temple belonging to the family was the reason for their dispute,” said Gundawadi. “Both heirs wanted the property and had been getting into fights often.” Then two days ago Mutthu came to know that Pushpa had a role in getting him arrested four years ago, Gundawadi said.
“Mutthu in a fit of rage thought he would kill Pushpa and along with taking his revenge would also get the family temple land,” said Gundawadi.
{{/usCountry}}“Mutthu in a fit of rage thought he would kill Pushpa and along with taking his revenge would also get the family temple land,” said Gundawadi.
{{/usCountry}}Mutthu took his “revenge” on Wednesday.
Pushpa’s brother who was sleeping in the veranda saw Mutthu fleeing the house and rushed to check on Pushpa.
“Pushpa’s mother and brother saw her in a pool of blood and immediately rushed her to Sion hospital,” said Gundawadi. “We have registered a case of attempt to murder and have launched a manhunt for Mutthu and his accomplice.”