Mystery over Karan Kakkad’s missing skull continues

The investigation into the murder case of small-time producer Karankumar Kakkad has thrown up more questions than answers for the Mumbai crime branch.

The investigation into the murder case of small-time producer Karankumar Kakkad has thrown up more questions than answers for the Mumbai crime branch.

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The most important among them: Whose skull was found at the instance of accused Vijay Palande from the Kumbharli Ghat on April 16?

The police are yet to recover the head and legs of Kakkad, which accused Palande and Dhananjay Shinde allegedly disposed of in Kumbharli ghat, Chiplun. During the investigations, they stumbled on a human skull, which they thought belonged to Kakkad.

However, the DNA did not match that of Kakkad’s mother. The skull was found some distance away from a torso, which matched that of Kakkad.

Even the plastic bag in which the skull was wrapped was different from that in which the torso was wrapped, officials said, adding that prima facie it appeared the skull was thrown some time before the torso, as it was more decomposed.

The police have registered a case of murder against Palande in the skull case as well, and are likely to take his custody sometime next week.

The crime branch may employ the services of a “forensic molecular photo fitter” to recreate the facial features of the skull. They plan to check the missing complaints filed in the city as well, to match the features.