Land dealer hacked to death in broad daylight, cops suspect fallout of financial dispute

A 38-year-old land dealer was brutally murdered by a group of assailants in broad daylight in Kolhewadi area of Sinhagad Road on Wednesday afternoon. Police suspect that the murder was the fallout of financial dispute.

The deceased has been identified as Satish Sudam Thopte, a resident of Sushila Park, Kolhewadi and a native of Khanapur. Thopte, who was involved in land and real estate dealings, had been booked in a case of firing registered at the Haveli police station.

Police said Thopte had facilitated a Rs 25 lakh loan for an apartment purchase, and there were disputes over unpaid instalments that led to his murder.

A police officer said the assailants reached Kolhewadi area and attacked Thopte with sharp weapons. They fled the scene, leaving Thopte critically injured. He was rushed to a private hospital but was declared dead on arrival. A probe has been launched and police have launched a manhunt for the accused.