Mumbai: A 56-year-old woman lawyer was murdered in Powai on Saturday. The Powai police have arrested her husband, Rajiv Lala, 60, for allegedly killing her. The deceased has been identified as Shalini Devi. She had been living separately from her husband, who had been trying to persuade her to reconcile. However, when she refused, he allegedly smothered her with a pillow in a fit of rage. The accused had retired from a private airline as a crew member. On Saturday late at night, the police arrested him, and on Sunday, he was produced in court. The court remanded him to police custody until October 1.
About The Case
According to the police, Shalini Devi, a lawyer, lived alone in a 3-BHK flat in the Raheja Vihar society in Powai. At the time of the incident, Shalini was alone at home. She had been living separately from her husband, Rajiv, for the past year, and their son resides in the US. Rajiv lives in Marol, Andheri East. On Saturday afternoon, Rajiv went to her Powai flat to persuade her to take him back and avoid a second failed marriage. They had divorced each other earlier but remarried, only to separate again. When she refused to reconcile, the discussion escalated into a heated argument, during which he allegedly smothered her with a pillow. After the murder, he panicked and fled the flat.
The society members noticed Rajiv leaving the society around 4 p.m. They grew suspicious, as they frequently argued with each other. The society manager went to Shalini’s flat, but she did not open the door. He then informed the police control room. The Powai police arrived at the complex, broke open the flat’s door and discovered Shalini unconscious. She was rushed to Rajawadi Hospital, Ghatkopar East, where doctors declared her dead on arrival. She had died of suffocation. Suspecting murder, the police began an investigation.
The police reviewed CCTV footage and traced Rajiv to Marol. He was detained and initially denied any involvement, but during sustained interrogation, he allegedly confessed to the murder. The police have registered a case of murder against Rajiv Lala and subsequently arrested him.
Shalini Devi and Rajiv had earlier been living together in Raheja Vihar, Powai. Rajiv retired from a private airline two years ago, after which frequent disputes arose between the couple. Because of this, they began living separately — Rajiv in Marol and Shalini in Powai. In recent weeks, Rajiv had been trying to convince Shalini to resume living together. On Saturday afternoon, he went to her house to speak with her again. When she refused, an argument broke out and, in a fit of anger, Rajiv allegedly smothered her with a pillow, causing her death by suffocation.
To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/
