30-yr-old caterer kills self at Mankhurd

A 30-year-old caterer, Rajesh Balekar, who consumed rat poison at his residence in Mankhurd on March 2, died at Sion hospital on Monday.

A 30-year-old caterer, Rajesh Balekar, who consumed rat poison at his residence in Mankhurd on March 2, died at Sion hospital on Monday. Bhalekar’s family alleges he was under pressure as local goons had been harassing him for money.

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His family alleges that when he approached the Mankhurd police, they refused to register a complaint. The police claim no one approached them.

A relative of Bhalekar, who lives near the latter’s Karbala chawl on the Ghatkopar-Mankhurd Link Road, said, “Two goons from the area used to harass Bhalekar when he was maintaining a pay-and-park in the area. He used to pay them. But, their demands kept increasing.”

The relative, who refused to be named saying the goons could target him, said four months ago, tired of the harassment, Balekar quit the job and started working as a caterer. “But, the two goons kept coming to his residence and demand money for liquor. On March 1, they beat him up and told him to arrange for the money.”

Rajesh’s wife, Lalita, said, “When my husband approached the police, they did not register a complaint. Later, under severe stress he consumed poison and ended his life.”

Senior police inspector Pascal D’Souza said, “In her statement, Lalita has not made allegations against anyone. We are willing to register an abetment to suicide case against the persons the family has levied allegations against.”