The body of a woman, subsequently identified as Poonam Kshirsagar, was discovered in a suitcase in Uran Town. The 27-year-old victim was a resident of Mankhurd’s Sathenagar and allegedly in a ‘relationship‘ with taxi driver Nizam Khan Shaikh for four years. Nizam Khan (Nizamuddin Ali Shaikh as per certain news reports) has been arrested by the Navi Mumbai Police in connection with the brutal murder of Poonam.
Poonam was reportedly picked up by Khan from Mankhurd and taken to Khadavli in Thane District’s Kalyan area on 18 April. She was murdered the next day (19 April) and her body was discarded in Uran’s Talekhar along Chirner-Kharpada. Police reports say locals discovered her decomposed body on 25 April. Subsequent Police investigation confirmed the identity of the victim as Poonam Kshirsagar whose missing report was filed with Mankhurd Police by her family.
Nizam, originally from Uttar Pradesh’s (UP) Lucknow was apprehended by authorities. According to reports, Poonam was unaware of Nazim’s marital status until she discovered he was married and had a child, leading to a confrontation over the phone that tragically escalated.
Maharashtra Cabinet Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Mangal Prabhat Lodha, following a meeting with the victim’s family, alleged that Nizam transported her to Kalyan, where he purportedly murdered her and disposed of her body in a remote location. Lodha, who serves as Mumbai Suburban Guardian Minister, stressed the importance of addressing issues related to illegal Rohingya and Bangladeshi immigrants in the city, particularly in light of this being the third such incident in Mumbai. He also assured the victim’s family of justice and warned of potential unrest if swift action is not taken against the perpetrator within 24 hours.
BJP leader Kirit Somaiya also visited Poonam’s family and stated that this was yet another case of love jihad where a Hindu woman was trapped by an Islamist, ending in her death. He further stated that he had spoken to Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis and Special Police Commissioner Deven Bharti. Kirit Somaiya said that the Kshirsagar family was distressed by their daughter’s death, and demanded justice for Poonam and her family. He also said that he asked for a thorough investigation and strict punishment for the accused.
(Featured Image Source: News 18)
