Apr 30, 2012: Man who set woman ablaze held in city

TNN | Apr 30, 2012, 06.33AM IST

PUNE: The Vishrantwadi police on Sunday arrested a 40-year-old real estate agent, who was hiding in the city after allegedly killing a woman by setting her on fire in Amravati on April 15. The Vishrantwadi police and a team of the Amravati police nabbed Rajesh Tikhale, a resident of Amravati district, while he was on his way to Dighi.

Investigating officer from the Amravati police, G S Vidhate, told TOI that on April 15, Tikhale had set ablaze Usha Dilip Banarase (35) before going missing. "In her complaint before her death, Banarase had revealed Tikhale's name as the perpetrator of the crime. Tikhale was since traceable," Vidhate said.

Vidhate said during investigations, the police were informed about Tikhale's presence in Vishrantwadi. "We contacted the Vishrantwadi police and nabbed him with their help on Sunday."

Vidhate said Tikhale was a real estate agent and knew Banarase for the last four years. Banarase was married and is survived by two children. "We are yet to investigate the reason behind the murder," Vidhate said.

Senior inspector of the Vishrantwadi police station, Motichand Rathod, said investigations have revealed that after the incident, Tikhale fled to Shegaon, where his wife and children were staying. "Before the police could reach there around five days ago, Tikhale fled from Shegaon and reached Dehu. He was staying with a friend," Rathod said. Tikhale was nabbed on Sunday while he was travelling to Dighi. "He was produced before the court on Sunday and granted transit remand till May 1. His custody was handed over to the Amravati police."

The investigating team comprised constables Prashant Jadhav, Ajit Kure and Ravi Rathod.
Link: Man who set woman ablaze held in city