Belagavi Police have arrested three individuals in connection with the tragic death of three members of the Kurdekar family in Joshi Mala, Khasbagh. The arrested include Rajesh Achyut Kudtarkar (52), a goldsmith from Keshav Nagar, Vadgaon, and his associates Bhaskar alias Krishna Narayan Sonar (47) from Teachers Colony, and Nanaso Hanmant Shinde (35) of Bicchu Galli, Shahapur.
The case came to light after Sunanda Kurdekar (50), who is undergoing treatment in a private hospital after reportedly consuming poison, filed a police complaint. Her husband Santosh Ganapati Kurdekar (47), Suvarna Ganapati Kurdekar (52), and Mangala Ganapati Kurdekar (85) were found dead in their residence on Wednesday.
Police investigations suggest that false rumours were spread about Santosh Kurdekar misappropriating 2–3 kg of gold from local women. It is also suspected that Kudtarkar forcibly took nearly half a kilo of gold from him against a pending loan. The constant harassment reportedly led to mental distress in the family, culminating in the suicides.
Following the complaint and a mention of names in a note left behind by Santosh Kurdekar, a raid was conducted at Kudtarkar’s residence under the guidance of ACP Santosh Satyanaik. Officers recovered ₹7.7 lakh in cash and 661 grams of gold jewellery valued at ₹49 lakh. Legal possession of the items was taken by Shahapur Inspector S.S. Seemani.
Further probe revealed that Bhaskar Sonar had allegedly taken 40 grams of gold and Nanaso Shinde 30 grams under false pretenses. Both were arrested and produced in court along with Kudtarkar. All three were remanded to judicial custody.
Police have also issued a notice to Rina Rajesh Kudtarkar (40), the wife of the prime accused, in connection with the case.
Commissioner of Police Borase Bhushan Gulabrao has advised the public against engaging in financial dealings with unauthorised lenders and urged victims of harassment to approach the police. The investigation is ongoing under the supervision of senior officers including DCPs Rohan Jagdish and Niranjanraje Ars. Several officers from Shahapur police station, including SI Manikanth Pujari and ASI B.A. Chougula, took part in the operation.
