Mumbai: A 26-year-old goldsmith was arrested on Wednesday from Thane for killing another goldsmith, who was also his relative, to repay his debts. The accused has been identified as Hemant Soni (28). According to police, on Saturday night, goldsmith Nitesh Soni’s (27) body was recovered from his house, where his workshop was located, at Khot kuva Road, Malad (east).
There was a deep injury on his left eye and Nitesh seemed to have succumbed to excessive bleeding. Since, there was no signs of forced entry in Nitesh’s house, Dindoshi police believe the accused must be known to the victim.
During the probe, police got to know of Hemant Soni (26), who was former accomplice of the victim. Police learnt Hemant had lost lakhs of rupees which he splurged on a bar girl and owed a few lakhs to bar owners as well. Due to his affection for the bar girl, Hemant’s wife had left him and he blamed Nitesh for telling his wife about his debts and the reason for splurging money.
When police tried to trace Hemant, he had already left the city and was on his way to Gujarat. A police team left immediately for Gujrat, but suspecting the police move, Hemant changed his plans and decided to return. He was arrested from Thane. Hemant confessed to killing Nitesh, saying he had huge debts. So, he murdered his ex-colleague. Then, he fled with Rs5.5 lakh and gold worth Rs10.5 lakh. Nearly Rs4 lakh, some gold and silver jewellery has been seized, said police.