80 people questioned, but death of Mumbai cop’s son remains a mystery

Police took the statements 20 youngsters, who were at the party, however, nothing suspicious came out of it

The Aarey police, probing the death of a police inspector’s son Atharva Shinde, 20, till Tuesday, has recorded the statements of 30 people. However, there has been no headway so far.

At least three people saw Atharva in a troubled state but none offered help, which police said could have saved his life.

Atharva had attended a party at a bungalow in Royal Palms, Goregaon (East) on Monday night last week and on Wednesday morning, his body was found 500 metres away from the bungalow.

“Apart from these 30 people, we have questioned 50 more people, but nothing has come out of it. We are investigating keeping the murder angle in mind. But things will be clear once the exact cause of death is ascertained based on the chemical analysis report from the forensic laboratory,” said a police officer.

Multiple CCTV footages show that on May 8, around 7am, Atharva left the bungalow and struggled to return home. He was inebriated and was vomiting continuously. Around midnight, he collapsed near a bungalow and was found dead at the same spot.

At least three people saw Atharva in a troubled state but none offered help, which police said could have saved his life. The post-mortem report revealed that Atharva had severe injuries on his chest, head and around his eyes. Based on the nature of injuries, police suspected Atharva was beaten at the party after a scuffle and registered a case of murder. They questioned 20 youngsters, who were at the party, however, nothing suspicious came out of it.

The Aarey police is also awaiting the medical reports on drug consumption of 12 youngsters who stayed overnight at the bungalow. Alcohol and various drugs were served at the party, which was organised by a Marathi film producer for his daughter’s birthday. The producer had arranged for liquor, but had no idea about the drugs, police said.

Atharva’s girlfriend was a friend of the producer’s daughter and so the couple was invited. The medical test of Atharva’s girlfriend revealed she had consumed seven types of drugs, a police officer said.