Mumbai: 

Deadly strike: Garment trader Sanjay Vedak (49) was shot in his car from a point blank range near Nahur railway station late last night. pic/vishal Kelkar

Tragic: Sanjay Vedak's second wife Neha at the scene of crime. Police assumes Vedak was returning home since he was killed near his residence. PIC/VISHAL KELKAR

Two murders in the dead of the night have baffled the city police. A garment trader was found dead in his blue Maruti Esteem (MH31-H-5998) near Nahur railway station, while a passerby informed the police about another gruesome killing near Sahar Village.

Sanjay Vedak (49), a Nahur resident, was found shot dead in his car on a lonely road leading to Nahur station. The body was discovered when a police patrol vehicle approached the car a little after 2 am as the headlights were on. Assuming that the driver was asleep, the police approached the car only to find Vedak had been shot at point blank. Two bullets had pierced the right side of his skull. Grocery bags from were found on the back seat.

Vedak's second wife Neha told the police that he had left home at 7.45 pm to shop at Nirmal Lifestyle in Mulund and she didn't hear from him since. The Vedaks have an 11-year-old son and have been living in Bhandup since 2000. Neha said she had no reason to suspect anyone.

DCP of Zone VII, R M Vatkar, said, "We have prima facie ruled out robbery as a motive to murder, as his wallet and gold ring were found intact. It is a clear case of murder with two entry and exit wounds visible on his right temple. We are exploring all possible angles, including personal enmity and  financial dealings."

According to a relative, Vedak's divorce case with his first wife is pending with the family court. During the spot inspection of the vehicle, the police found an empty cartridge. However, the nature of weapon is yet to be ascertained. Vedak's body was taken to Rajawadi Hospital from where it will be sent to JJ Hospital for postmortem. A case of murder has been registered with the Kanjur Marg police.

In another incident, Sahar police was informed about a man allegedly stoned to death by some unidentified men at around 2.30 am near Sahar Village.

According to sub inspector Nalawade of Sahar police station, the deceased was identified as Santosh Singh (40), a loader attached to the international airport.

The preliminary probe reveals that the deceased was last spotted with two of his colleagues and they are the prime suspects in the murder. Investigations have also revealed that a few days ago, the Sahar police had registered a cross complaint against the deceased and the suspects after a heated argument broke between them. They were released after paying the fine. It is suspected the killing could be over the same issue. The corpse was sent to Cooper Hospital for postmortem. A manhunt has been launched to nab the killers. A case of murder is registered with Sahar police.