Navi Mumbai Crime: 30-Year-Old Widow Attacked Near Palm Beach Road By Husband’s Accused Killer; Police Suspect Attempt To Silence Testimony

Navi Mumbai: A year after the murder of Chirag Loke in Nerul Sector-20, his wife and key eyewitness in the case, Priyanka Loke, was attacked in an apparent attempt to stop her from testifying in court. The attack took place on Saturday evening near the Palm Beach Road walking track. Two assailants reportedly attempted to stab her with a knife, leaving her injured.

According to the police, Priyanka Loke (30), who resides in Nerul Sector-20, was walking with her daughter near Jewel of Navi Mumbai when she was attacked by Shairul Shaikh alias Shera and his accomplice. The assailants tried to stab her in the neck, but she resisted the assault, resulting in a knife wound on her forearm. The attackers fled the scene immediately after the incident.

Priyanka received medical treatment and later filed a complaint at the Nerul Police Station. Based on her statement, a case of attempted murder has been registered against the two accused, and police have launched a manhunt to apprehend them.

Priyanka's husband, Chirag Loke, who was reportedly associated with the Arun Gawli gang, was murdered in February 2024 over a dispute concerning a labor site contract at the Mankhurd Car Shed. The fatal assault, carried out also left Priyanka critically injured at the time. Following the incident, several accused were arrested by the Nerul Police.

Since then, Priyanka has been actively pursuing the case in court to ensure justice for her late husband. She has reportedly received multiple threats aimed at deterring her from attending court proceedings.

"The accused was a juvenile at the time of murder and was given notice in the murder case. We are looking for him now in this case," said a police officer from Nerul police station.