Masjid bunder murder: son arrested for killing mother

The Pydhonie police on Monday arrested Jamnadas Mehta, the 65-year-old son of Heeraben, 90, who was found murdered in her house in Masjid Bunder on February 14.

The Pydhonie police on Monday arrested Jamnadas Mehta, the 65-year-old son of Heeraben, 90, who was found murdered in her house in Masjid Bunder on February 14.

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The police have cited a property dispute as the reason behind the murder.

A resident of Shraddhanand building, Heeraben lived with her two unmarried sons-Jamnadas and Vinod, 63.

According to the police, Jamnadas' wish to sell the house, which was in Heeraben's name, was opposed by her. This led to frequent fights between the two, with Vinod playing the pacifier.

Jamnadas and Vinod found Heeraben's body lying in a pool of blood near the kitchen with her throat slit on February 14.

Though Jamnadas had earlier told the police that he reached the house around 8pm, it was later learnt from neighbours that he had been seen entering the house an hour before that. He had also called the advocate who was taking care of his mother's will at 7.15pm the same day.

"We have arrested Jamnadas and he was produced in the court on Monday. He has been remanded in police custody till February 24. Though he has not admitted to the crime, we have circumstantial evidence against him," said a police officer who did not wished to be named. "We have found a bloodstained shirt from the bathroom, which we suspect belongs to Jamnadas. We have sent it to the forensic laboratory in Kalina for examination."

According to the police, Vinod and Heeraben's youngest son Arvind had told them that they suspected Jamnadas' involvement as he had threatened their mother several times.

Pascal D'souza, senior inspector, Pydhonie police station, confirmed that Jamnadas had been arrested,but refused to comment further.

Though Jamnadas and Vinod had earlier been detained for questioning, they were let off, as the police could not find any evidence them.