Noted Marathi writer killed

PUNE, MARCH 11: Noted Marathi writer and columnist Mukund Ramachandra Sonpatki was killed and his wife Neeta seriously injured when seven armed dacoits struck at his residence in Altino Colony, a secluded spot atop Harneshwar Hills in neighbouring Talegaon Dabhade, early on Wednesday. Sonpatki was 59.

The last rites were performed at Baneshwar crematorium in Talegaon Dabhade yesterday afternoon. Neeta has been admitted to a private hospital in Talegaon Dabhade, where she is responding to treatment.

The dacoits forced themselves into Sonpatki8217;s bungalow after breaking its door open with crowbars. They escaped with Neeta8217;s ornaments worth more than Rs 32,000.

Sonpatki and Neeta8217;s cries for help woke up their caretaker-cum-gardener Bajirao Pavle, who resides in the outhouse. Pavle saw three armed men in front of the outhouse, but did not dare step out. Although critically injured, Sonpatki managed to call up some relatives in Kalyan, who alerted their acquaintances in Talegaon Dabhade. The acquaintancestook the couple to the hospital, where Sonpatki was proclaimed dead on arrival, according to Sonpatki8217;s nephew Sachin.