3 min readMumbaiUpdated: Dec 12, 2025 09:40 PM IST
To cover-up the murder, Amir called his younger brother Salim and also contacted Vasai-based doctor R R Garg, who allegedly agreed to provide a death certificate. (Express photo)
A domestic worker’s alertness and a telling observation about blood stains in a Vasai house helped the crime branch officials of the Mira-Bhayander Vasai Virarto crack the murder of a 61-year-old high court lawyer, who was allegedly killed by her stepson. During the probe, the police also found how the stepson’s father and uncle covered up the murder by allegedly procuring a death certificate from a local doctor, secretly burying the body and showing it as a natural death.
The victim, Arshiya Khusro, lived in Periyar Apartment in Vasai (West) along with her husband and stepson, Imran Khusro (32). According to police, on the morning of July 26, Arshiya refused to give Imran Rs 1.8 lakh to fund his online gaming addiction. During an argument, Imran, in a fit of rage, allegedly smashed her head against a bathroom wall and she started bleeding. He then ransacked her cupboard and fled with two tolas of gold jewellery. Imran then informed his father, Amir Khusro, and they wiped the blood stains from the house.
To cover up the murder, Amir called his younger brother Salim and also contacted Vasai-based doctor R R Garg, who allegedly agreed to provide a death certificate which said Arshiya died a natural death. The family then secretly transported the body to a burial ground in Vasai west and performed the last rites, without the knowledge of the neighbours.
The incident came to light when a domestic help arrived for work, noticed blood stains in the house, and found her employer missing. She alerted police inspector Samir Ahirrao, in-charge of the Mira-Bhayander Vasai Virar crime branch unit. A special team was formed and within 12 hours, Imran and Amir were taken into custody. While they initially denied their involvement, they confessed to the crime when both of them were questioned separately, said Ahirrao.
“Imran had long been addicted to a multiplayer online game and had repeatedly sought money from family members for in-game purchases. Arshiya had helped him in the past but she refused to give him money. It is a case of digital addiction, greed, and cold planning,” said Ahirrao.
The police reconstructed the crime scene and collected evidence from the burial site as part of evidence.
After both the father-son duo confessed to the crime, police then picked up Imran’s uncle Salim and Dr Garg. A murder case was registered at the Vasai police station and all four were arrested under the charge of murder, along with other relevant sections. Assistant Commissioner of Police Nemnath Ghogre became the investigating officer and following court order, Arshiya’s body was exhumed and sent to the JJ hospital for post mortem. Police also seized Dr Garg’s clinic and started examining whether he had been involved in similar cases.
Manish Kumar Pathak is a dedicated journalist reporting for The Indian Express from Mumbai. His work demonstrates substantial Expertise and Authority across the complex field of crime reporting, with a strong focus on law enforcement actions, fraud, and cyber security challenges facing the metropolitan region.
Expertise & Authority
Affiliation: Reports for the nationally recognized daily, The Indian Express, providing his content with high Trustworthiness.
Geographical Focus: Provides comprehensive, ground-level coverage of breaking news and investigative matters across Mumbai and the surrounding regions (e.g., Thane, Vasai).
Core Authority: His reporting portfolio highlights deep Expertise in crucial beats, including:
Cyber & Financial Crime: Extensive coverage of sophisticated scams, including cases involving high-value cyber fraud, stock market manipulation scams, and fraudsters using government figures to gain trust.
Law Enforcement & Investigation: Reports directly on major police actions, including arrests made by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) in fraud cases (e.g., MHADA flat scams) and detailed coverage of murder and kidnapping investigations.
Major Incidents & Public Safety: Covers significant incidents like building collapses, road accidents, and public safety issues such as theft at large public events.
Defence & Maritime: Also covers key updates regarding the Indian Navy, including the commissioning of new vessels and strategic defense announcements.
Manish Kumar Pathak's consistent focus on crime, fraud, and the workings of the Mumbai police system establishes him as a trusted and authoritative source for critical news in Western India. ... Read More
