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Journalism of Courage
March 16: A 56-year-old building contractor was found murdered in the Hare Rama Hare Krishna Guest House within the complex of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness ISKCON at Juhu on Wednesday night.
The body of the contractor, Prashant Lilachand Patel, was found in room number 309 on the third floor of the guest house. Police suspect he was strangled to death by a nylon rope, which was found near the body during panchnama.
Prima facie evidence has suggested that robbery could be the motive behind the killing, as the victim8217;s gold chain and ring valued at around Rs 6,500 have been reported missing. Police suspect the murder took place between 7.30 pm and 11.30 pm. Patel was last seen in the temple complex at around 7 pm on Wednesday.
Patel, a resident of Viabhab Vistarit Building on Linking Road, Santacruz W, was an ardent Krishna devotee and life member of the Hare Rama Hare Krishna Trust. He was known to visit the temple regularly.
As a life member of the trust, Patel was entitled to the reserved rooms in the guest house for a mere Rs 150. Investigators said he could have been resting in his room when the assailants gained entry and killed him.
The murder came to light after Patel8217;s son Aloke 26 approached Juhu police saying his father had not returned home till late in the night and police launched a search for him.
However, police are still baffled as to how the killer managed to strangle the contractor in the guest house amid the hustle-bustle of the temple complex, especially when the entrance to the temple is guarded and entry is restricted to devotees.
Patel had been involved in construction activity for the last 20 years.
Authorities at the ISKCON temple in Juhu refused to comment on the incident.
