72-year-old woman stabbed to death by neighbour in Malad over petty issue

In a shocking incident, a 72-year-old woman was brutally stabbed to death by her elderly neighbour following a minor dispute in a residential bungalow, Vasanthi Bhavan, near Balbharti on SV Road in the Kabadiwali area of Malad (West), on Monday evening.

According to police sources, the victim has been identified as Ranjana Sanghwani. She and the accused, Ashok Keswani, lived in adjoining portions of the same bungalow. According to the police, Keswani lived alone, while Sanghwani resided with her differently abled sister. 

Police sources said the two frequently argued over petty matters and tensions had been simmering between them for the past few days.

Around 4 pm on Monday, Sanghwani had reportedly placed some belongings outside her home, which Keswani objected to and asked her to remove them. A verbal altercation ensued over the issue and quickly escalated.

In a fit of rage, Keswani allegedly attacked Sanghwani with a knife, stabbing her five to six times. She died on the spot due to excessive bleeding.

Alerted by the commotion, nearby residents immediately informed the police about the incident. Officers from Kandivali Police Station arrived at the scene and took the accused into custody.

“He has been arrested and booked under the relevant sections of murder,” said an officer from Kandivali Police Station.

An investigation is underway to determine the complete sequence of events. Police are also recording statements from witnesses and family members, he added.

This article first appeared on Mid Day