Maharashtra Leopard killing case: Two accused surrender, late-night crackdown leads to more arrests

Accused Vishal Varthe (kneeling in white) and Mayur Mhatre (kneeling in black) were first arrested during the probe. Pics/Special Arrangement

The leopard killing case took a dramatic turn on Thursday with two key accused - Anil Dhawade and Harshad Chandar Jadhav - surrendering before forest officials hours after their arrest. Their disclosures triggered a late-night crackdown, leading to two more being picked. This takes the total number of accused in custody to six. They were produced in court and remanded to the forest department's custody till April 4.

Anil Dhavde and Harshad Chandar Jadhav, the key accused arrested on Thursday

Key confession

Sources said the duo, residents from the periphery of Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), have revealed crucial details during questioning. "They may have carried out the actual killing" an official said. Preliminary inquiries indicate all six accused are from settlements along the park's periphery and encroached forest pockets, though individual roles are still being verified.

Dinish Pagora and Santosh Ghoshe, the duo arrested based on statements by the key accused

Probe expands

Forest officials will conduct a detailed spot panchnama inside the park today, recreating the crime scene with the accused at the exact location of the killing. Investigators are also tracing where the remaining body parts were disposed of. Sources said more arrests cannot be ruled out as the probe progresses.