Palande made actor-son of bizman write suicide note

Double murder accused Vijay Palande had made elaborate arrangements to kill aspiring actor Anuj Tikku and make it appear like a suicide.

Double murder accused Vijay Palande had made elaborate arrangements to kill aspiring actor Anuj Tikku and make it appear like a suicide.

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This was revealed by a crime branch officer on Monday, who said they had recovered a suicide note written by Anuj from Palande's locker in a private bank.

"Anuj has recognised his own handwriting along with the signature. Palande drugged him and made him write the note a few days before his father was murdered on April 7," he said.

The recovery is significant as it provides the police with evidence that Palande had plans to kill Tikku after murdering his father Arunkumar, 62.

The officer said Palande was aware that Anuj was the sole heir to Tikku's property, estimated to be worth over Rs. 50 crore and spread across Mumbai, Delhi and Gurgaon.

Police sources said Palande had befriended Tikku after small-time model Simran Sood introduced them to each other. Over a few drinks Anuj had told Palande about his property and that he was the sole heir.

The crime branch, meanwhile, is yet to trace the property papers of the Tikkus which are missing since the murder of Arunkumar.

Officers suspect they have been stolen by Palande. They are likely to book him for a case of theft at a later date.