The trial in the sensational 2021 case, where a constable from Nehru Nagar police station was allegedly murdered by two of his colleagues, will commence on July 31 at the Panvel sessions court.
Murder Initially Passed Off as Road Accident
On August 15, 2021, constable Shivaji Madhavrao Sanap (54) was walking towards the Panvel bus depot after duty when he was hit by a Nano car without a number plate near Bhagat Chawl. Initially registered as a hit-and-run under IPC sections 279, 337, and 338, the case took a serious turn after his family raised doubts about the circumstances of his death. Sanap died two days later after receiving treatment at hospitals in Panvel, Kamothe, and Pune.
Family’s Suspicions Trigger Murder Probe
Sanap’s wife and brother-in-law’s insistence on a deeper investigation led Panvel City Police to uncover a conspiracy. CCTV footage, witness accounts, and technical evidence pointed to a premeditated murder orchestrated by Police Sub-Inspector Sambhaji Ganga Kamble and woman constable Sheetal Panasare—Sanap’s colleagues from Nehru Nagar police station.
Love Triangle and Revenge Motive Behind Killing
According to the chargesheet, Kamble and Panasare were in an extramarital affair. Sanap had earlier been in a relationship with Panasare and had filed a complaint that resulted in Kamble’s suspension. Fearing further exposure, the duo allegedly decided to eliminate Sanap.
Local Accomplices Hired to Execute Plan
Police allege that Kamble and Panasare enlisted local youth Vishal Jadhav who did household chores for Panasare and Ganesh Chavan, another of her romantic partners, to carry out the murder. The group bought a second-hand Nano car for Rs 40,000 using money from the accused.
Tracking and Killing the Victim
On the day of the incident, Jadhav and Chavan allegedly followed Sanap from Kurla to Panvel and deliberately hit him with the car. After the attack, the vehicle was taken to a remote area and set on fire to destroy evidence. Forensic teams later recovered charred remains of the car and the number plate.
Murder, Conspiracy, and Evidence Tampering Charges Filed
All four accused Kamble, Panasare, Jadhav, and Chavan have been charged under IPC Sections 302 (murder), 120B (criminal conspiracy), and 201 (destruction of evidence). Police say they have strong digital, financial, and forensic proof to support the charges.
