Two Arrested in Mankhurd for Murder of Auto Driver in Vashi Over Fare Dispute
The Navi Mumbai Crime Branch has arrested two 20-year-old men from Mankhurd for allegedly murdering an 18-year-old autorickshaw driver in Vashi following an argument over a Rs 50 fare difference. The police have also recovered the victim's stolen autorickshaw in which the accused fled after the killing.
The accused were identified as Sahil Ananda Surve and Sahil Yashwant Kharat, both residents of Mankhurd. They were arrested by Crime Branch Unit-1. The victim, Sujan Kumar Feku Mahato, a resident of Ghansoli, was attacked with a sharp weapon near the Mini Seashore Garden area close to Fortis Hospital in Vashi in the early hours of August 29.
According to police, Mahato had gone out to ferry passengers on the night of August 28. Around 3:36 am on August 29, the two accused boarded his autorickshaw near Koparkhairane railway station and asked to be taken to Mankhurd. When Mahato informed them that the fare was Rs 150, the accused claimed they had only Rs 100, which triggered an argument.
When the autorickshaw reached the Hanuman Temple area in Sector 5, the duo allegedly brandished weapons, threatened Mahato, and forced him to keep driving. Later, near Mini Seashore Garden, Mahato received a phone call from another passenger and told the accused to get out. A fresh dispute broke out, during which the accused allegedly struck Mahato on the neck, head, and hands with sharp weapons before fleeing the scene in his vehicle.
A crucial lead emerged when police constable Ashok Kachare, attached to Vashi police station, visited the crime scene shortly after the murder. He found an Aadhaar card lying on the ground, which led investigators to a woman who had witnessed the attack while standing nearby. Police used her description along with CCTV footage to identify and trace the suspects.
ACP Bhausaheb Dhole stated that the accused had a criminal background and were carrying weapons during the incident. Police noted that Surve had previously been booked for attempt to murder and assault under the Indian Penal Code and the Arms Act at Trombay police station in 2024. While the autorickshaw has been recovered, the weapon used in the crime is yet to be found. The investigation is being handled by Vashi police.
