A woman grazing cattle discovered three highly decomposed bodies inside a wrecked car concealed in thick bushes near the Mumbai-Nashik Highway at Umbarmali, Shahapur.
Upon detecting a powerful foul odour from the vehicle, the woman alerted local villagers, who subsequently informed Kasara Police.
According to preliminary investigations, the accident occurred 4-5 days before the discovery. Police and disaster management teams used a crane to pull the car out of the ditch where it had landed. One of the deceased has been identified as Yajnesh Waghela (aged 25-30), while the identities of the other two victims remain unknown. The car was reportedly registered in Mumbai's Andheri-Khar area.
Authorities are investigating whether this was a tragic accident or a case of foul play, given the suspicious circumstances and delayed discovery. The bodies were in an advanced state of decomposition, making it challenging to determine the exact cause of death immediately. Police have begun the panchnama (inquest) process and are examining the vehicle for clues.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, with residents expressing concerns about safety along the highway. Police are reviewing CCTV footage from nearby areas and gathering witness statements to piece together the events leading to this tragic incident. Relatives of the identified victim have been notified, while efforts continue to establish contact with the families of the other two deceased individuals.
