Thane police have unravelled the death of 37-year-old Nirja Amberkar -initially ruled as accidental snakebite—as a meticulously planned murder orchestrated by her husband.
She died on July 10, 2022, at her flat in Ujjwaldeep Apartment, Badlapur East. Police initially registered it as accidental death due to snakebite. However, inconsistencies in statements and fresh evidence prompted the reopening of the case after three years.
Investigation exposed that Nirja’s 40-year-old husband Rupesh Amberkar, frustrated with domestic disputes, conspired to kill her. He enlisted friends Rishikesh Chalke (26), Kunal Chaudhary (25), and Chetan Dudhane (36, a snake rescuer). On the night of the crime, they ensured Nirja was bitten by a poisonous snake inside the flat.
Chetan Dudhane allegedly provided the snake as part of the plot. Police arrested Rupesh and the three accomplices, charging them with murder and conspiracy.
