Unit V of the crime branch, which is investigating the brutal murder of Vakola musician Bennett Rebello, arrested a third person for allegedly helping the accused pack and dispose the body's pieces at different locations in Mithi River. The main accused, Aaradhya Patil, revealed his involvement, during interrogation, the police said. The accused identified as Ali Mia Chaus, 19, used to work at a pharma company, where he had learned the skills of packaging. Confirming the arrest, Jagdish Sail, senior police inspector of Unit V, said, "He was produced before Esplande court on Saturday and we have his custody till December 16. Further investigations are underway."

Chaus, a Class XII pass, was one of the good friends of the minor. The duo studied at the same school in Ghatkopar. The minor allegedly had a discussion with Chaus and two other friends about killing Rebello, around two to three weeks before the murder. He was upset about Rebello allegedly sexually harassing Patil, his girlfriend. "Chaus was also seen in the CCTV footage near the crime scene," an officer privy to the investigation, said. According to the crime branch, Patil and her minor boyfriend called upon Ali near the pharmacy company where he worked, on November 27 after killing Rebello. They first asked him to provide a chopper, but he refused any help. Two days later, on November 29, the duo met him again at Vidyavihar railway station, seeking his help to assist them in wrapping the torso. "Ali visited the crime scene. He stayed there for a night and also visited a grocery shop with both the accused to purchase bags," said Shahji Umap, DCP detection.