Drama before funeral of prime accused in Sonawane murder

Nashik, Feb 1 (PTI) Popat Shinde, prime accused in the murder of Additional District Collector Yashwant Sonawane, was today cremated by his family members amidst high drama in Manmad near here.

The body of Shinde, who succumbed at a state-run hospital in Mumbai while undergoing treatment for burn injuries, was handed over to Nashik police by the hospital after post-mortem as his daughter Jaya and son Sagar refused to take possession demanding a CBI probe into Sonawane''s murder.

However, Shinde''s uncle claimed the body and brought it to his native place Manmad this evening, they said.

"Jaya, Sagar and other close relatives of Shinde refused to take the dead body inside their residence until police gave a written assurance that a CBI inquiry would be conducted into the murder of Sonawane''s and an inquiry of Sonawane''s property would also be done," police said.

Police then brought four accused arrested in connection with the case - Shinde''s son Vikas, brother-in-law Deepak Borse, Raju Shirsat and Kacharu Surudkar, who had a discussion with Shinde''s family members and relatives, who then agreed for the funeral, they added.

Elaborate security arrangements were made on the occasion as a precautionary measure, police said.

Posted in: Hot News india