Suitcase murder case: Two speech, hearing-impaired men kill friend, get caught at Dadar railway station

According to police officials, the accused, Shivjeet Surendra Singh and Jay Chawda, invited their friend, Arshad Ali Sadiq Ali Shaikh, to a party at Chawda’s residence in the Pydhonie area of South Mumbai.

“The three met on Sunday evening and consumed alcohol. Later, the two accused allegedly assaulted Shaikh with a hammer on his head and, to ensure his death, used a sharp object,” said a senior police officer.

The police are still investigating whether the murder was premeditated or occurred in a fit of rage. After killing Shaikh, Singh and Chawda attempted to dispose of his remains but had no specific plan. They considered either throwing the suitcase on the railway tracks or abandoning it on a long-distance train.

At Dadar railway station, as the two struggled with the suitcase, an RPF constable offered assistance. Noticing blood stains, he became suspicious.

“The two accused were on their way to catch Tutari Express at midnight but based on suspicion, the GRP officials asked them to step aside. Singh then fled the scene, and when the suitcase was opened, the RPF personnel found a body inside. Chawda was detained at the station,” said an official.

The Dadar GRP initially registered a murder case, but the investigation was transferred to the Pydhonie police station as the incident occurred in their jurisdiction.

“We enlisted an expert to communicate with Chawda, who then revealed Singh’s role and his address. A team was dispatched to Ulhasnagar, where Singh was apprehended,” said an officer. “It was also found that the deceased, Shaikh, resided in Kalina, Santacruz.”

During interrogation, police learned that the murder was connected to a love triangle.

“We found that both accused were interested in the same woman, who did not reciprocate their feelings. We are also investigating a possible motive involving Shaikh blackmailing Chawda with photos of his girlfriend,” said an officer.

Chawda worked as a typist, and all three had met at an event for disabled individuals, where they became friends.