Mumbai News: Aarey Police Arrest 2 For Murder Of Make-Up Artist; Hunt On For Third Accused

The Aarey Colony police have arrested two individuals for allegedly murdering a 40-year-old make-up artist. The accused — the victim’s wife, Rajashree Ahire, and her lover, Chandrashekhar Padyachi — were taken into custody on Wednesday. Police are searching for a third suspect, identified as Ranga, who is absconding.

The deceased, Bharat Ahire, worked in the film industry as a make-up artist. Investigations revealed that on July 12, Padyachi and Ranga brutally assaulted him in the presence of Rajashree. Following the attack, Rajashree took her husband home instead of rushing him to a hospital. When his condition worsened, his daughters alerted a relative, and he was admitted to a hospital in Malad.

Initially, on July 19, police learned from hospital staff that Ahire had been admitted for what was reported as a motorcycle accident. When officers questioned him, Ahire also claimed his injuries were from an accident. However, further inquiry — including statements from his daughters — revealed he had been beaten by two men along with his wife in Aarey Colony, where the family lived.

Police investigations uncovered that Rajashree was having an extramarital affair with Padyachi, a resident of the same locality, and frequent quarrels took place over the relationship. In a bid to eliminate her husband, Rajashree allegedly conspired with Padyachi.

After the assault, Ahire’s condition deteriorated despite treatment, and he succumbed to his injuries on August 5. Following his death, police registered a murder case against Rajashree, Padyachi, and Ranga.