Firing distance raised suspicion: How an 'accidental' shooting in Lonavala turned into a murder case
An incident initially reported as an accidental shooting at a hotel in Lonavala has been reclassified as a murder case following investigative findings. Lonavala City police arrested 83-year-old Motiram Marathe for allegedly shooting dead his 33-year-old grandson, advocate Abhay Manik Marathe, at Hotel Motiram in Bhushi village on Monday. Police also booked four other family members for allegedly attempting to destroy evidence and conceal the crime.
The family initially claimed the shooting was accidental, stating that Abhay was cleaning his grandfather's 12-bore rifle when the trigger was accidentally pulled, striking him in the chest. However, police began suspecting the account after examining the firearm, the injury, and bloodstains at the scene. Post-mortem examination at Sassoon Hospital proved decisive—doctors found the bullet had been fired from approximately 30 centimetres away, making an accidental discharge claim during rifle cleaning implausible.
During questioning of family members, hotel staff, and management, investigators uncovered a property dispute between the deceased and his grandfather. According to police, Motiram wanted to sell their land and distribute the proceeds among family members, while Abhay had different plans for the property. The motive behind the alleged shooting remains under investigation as police continue their probe into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
