Man Accused of Killing Aunt, Burning Her Body, and Pushing Car Over Cliff in Chilling Crime

In a story that has stunned residents of a quiet village in Maharashtra, a 22-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly killing his aunt, setting her body on fire, and pushing her burned-out car off a cliff — all in an attempt to cover up what police are calling a “premeditated act of rage.”

The horrifying details emerged this week after local police in Nagothane pieced together what initially appeared to be a car accident in a remote, wooded area.

A Family Secret Turns Deadly

According to police, the man and his 32-year-old aunt were involved in a secret relationship — one that had reportedly lasted more than two years and was known only to a handful of people close to them. She was married, and the relationship had become strained over time.

Police say the pair drove to the outskirts of Adgal village in April 2022, a spot known for its quiet, mountainous landscape. It was meant to be just another private meeting — but it ended in tragedy.

At some point, a heated argument broke out. Investigators believe the man lost control and struck his aunt on the head with a large stone. She died at the scene. In an effort to hide the crime, he then poured petrol on her body and set it on fire, according to authorities.

Watchman’s Photo Helps Crack Case

As thick smoke billowed into the air from the hillside, a watchman at a nearby construction site noticed the unusual scene. He decided to follow the smoke — and what he found was deeply unsettling.

The watchman told police he saw a badly burned body and a car nearby. Thinking quickly, he snapped photos and alerted the authorities.

Those images helped investigators identify the vehicle and, ultimately, the man behind the wheel just hours earlier. Once in custody, police say he admitted to everything, including pushing the car — with her body still inside — over the edge of the mountain in a final attempt to make it look like an accident.

A Community in Shock

The small, tight-knit community of Nagothane has been left reeling. Many neighbors who knew the family say they’re struggling to make sense of the tragedy.

“We never imagined something like this could happen here,” one local shop owner told reporters. “Everyone is still in disbelief. This wasn’t just a crime. This was family.”

Police say the man had grown increasingly frustrated with his aunt, especially in recent months. He told investigators she had been pressuring him for money and had even physically attacked him once during a fight. Those tensions appear to have reached a boiling point that fateful day in April.

What Happens Next

The man is now facing serious charges, including murder, destruction of evidence, and criminal conspiracy. He remains in custody as the investigation continues and prosecutors prepare their case.

Authorities say they’re also examining whether anyone else knew about the crime in advance or helped cover it up — though for now, it appears the man acted alone.

Meanwhile, the victim’s family is mourning a life lost in a senseless act of violence. Relatives have asked for privacy as they try to cope with the loss and deal with the legal fallout.