Moneylender murdered, robbed in Marine Lines

WHODUNIT? Policemen at the scene of the crime

Mateen Hafeez I TNN

Mumbai: A 32-year-old moneylender was killed by unidentified persons who robbed him of cash and jewellery collectively valued at Rs 10 lakh before fleeing from the spot. The incident took place on Tuesday afternoon in the Second Marine Lines Lane near Metro Cinema. The police suspect that the killer was not a stranger for the deceased.

According to the Azad Maidan police, the deceased, Alpesh Jain, was alone at his first floor office when the incident took place. “His two elder brothers, Jitu and Bharat, who also sit in the same office, had gone out for lunch. The incident took place between 1.30 pm and 2.30 pm. We are making inquiries and suspect that someone known to Jain could be involved in the crime,’’ the police source said.

Jain’s body was taken to Bombay Hospital. A carpenter’s tool was used to hit Jain’s head. His hands and legs were tied with a rope and a handkerchief put in his mouth so that he could not scream for help.

According to neighbours, the Jains are into moneylending for the last 50 years and the shop was run by the three brothers. The Jains stay near the office in Aidun building. “On Tuesday afternoon, Jain’s wife called on his mobile phone several times but there was no response. Suspecting some foul play, she informed her relatives who later reached the spot. Jain’s wife and relatives found the body,’’ said a neighbour.

The Times of India, March 24, 2010