Accused’s family blames victim’s kin

Investigation into the alleged murder of a 60-year-old woman by her granddaughter’s ex-boyfriend in Dharavi on Saturday suggests that — contrary to earlier reports — there was considerable friction between the man and his ex-girlfriend’s family.

Investigation into the alleged murder of a 60-year-old woman by her granddaughter’s ex-boyfriend in Dharavi on Saturday suggests that — contrary to earlier reports — there was considerable friction between the man and his ex-girlfriend’s family.

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On Saturday, Akhtar Khan, 26, allegedly shot dead Ranjan Karotia, the grandmother of his ex-girlfriend, Priyanka. He also opened fire at her brother, Krishna, 18, before shooting himself in the head.

The Dharavi police had earlier said there was no bad blood between Khan and Priyanka’s family, who live in the same locality. They had said there was no evidence to suggest any immediate provocation that could have led to the killing, as the girl had been married off a year ago.

However, on Sunday, Nishikant Tungre, inspector from the Dharavi police station, said they were investigating if Khan took the extreme step in frustration, after Priyanka’s family refused to give him her contact details.

Priyanka was married to a man from her own community after her family found out about her relationship with Khan. She was living outside the city, added Tungre.

Khan’s mother, Hamida Bano, denied that her son had sought Priyanka’s contact details from her family. “She spoke to my son over the phone even after her marriage. Why would he ask for her contact details from her family?” she asked.

Khan’s family alleged that Ranjan and Krishna would humiliate Khan whenever he passed by their house. “They would call him names and insult him. He would often tell me that he felt humiliated by this,” Bano said.

Priyanka’s family alleged that Khan’s family was cooking up stories to protect their reputation.

An officer from the Dharavi police station, who requested anonymity, said the two families have not been vocal about the series of events that led to the incident.

The police are also checking whether the two weapons — a country-made pistol and a revolver — which were used in the murder belonged to Khan’s father as they date back to 1975.