Palghar, Maharashtra: The Dahanu Magistrate Court has issued criminal arrest warrants against three prime suspects in the high-profile murder case of Ashok Raman Dhodi, a prominent political figure. However, with almost six months having passed since the murder and the accused still at large, questions are mounting regarding the effectiveness and integrity of the police investigation.
Background of the Case
Ashok Raman Dhodi, President of the Mathadi Sena’s Dahanu Taluka unit and affiliated with the Shinde faction, was reported missing on January 20, 2025. He was last seen heading home via the Bordi-Borigaon road after returning to Dahanu railway station from Mumbai. His car, a Maruti Brezza, was left parked in Dahanu.
The following day, fragments of his shattered car window, slippers, and spectacles were discovered near Dongripada in Borigav. Despite repeated appeals from the family, police registered a kidnapping case only after eight days. On January 31, Dhodi’s decomposed body was found in the trunk of his own car, abandoned in an unused mine in Sarigam, Gujarat.
Police subsequently arrested four suspects. However, one of the main accused, Avinash Dhodi, the victim's own brother, escaped from police custody at a local outpost in Vevji and has remained at large since.
Arrest Warrants and Ongoing Absence
On May 29, 2025, First Class Judicial Magistrate N.N. Pole issued criminal arrest warrants (Form No. 5) against the three accused, ordering their appearance before the court by June 21, 2025. However, serious doubts remain about the police's ability to execute these warrants, particularly in light of Avinash Dhodi’s continued evasion, now stretching over a year.
The three accused face serious charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including: Sections 147, 148, 149 (rioting and unlawful assembly), Section 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), Sections 504, 506(2) (criminal intimidation), Section 379(A) (theft), Section 109 (abetment) and Sections 320, 328 (causing grievous hurt and administering harmful substances).
The accused have been identified as Avinash Raman Dhodi, the brother of the deceased, residing in Kalital Pada, Vevji, Talasari, Palghar District; Manoj Bhavarsingh Rajput, a resident of Sarigam in Umargam Taluka, Valsad District, Gujarat; and Ashish Ramubhai Dhodi-Patel, residing in Sai Fata Bandar Faliya, also in Umargam Taluka, Valsad District, Gujarat.
Allegations of Police-Criminal Nexus and Public Outrage
The Dhodi family has openly accused Avinash Dhodi of being a powerful liquor mafia kingpin with significant financial ties to the local police. They allege that this nexus is the reason he continues to evade arrest despite assurances and court orders. Villagers have also accused the police of silently condoning his escape and have staged protests against the perceived inaction.
Following the murder, hundreds of citizens, led by local MLA Vinod Nikole, marched to the Dahanu Sub-Divisional Police Office demanding justice. At the time, police officials assured arrests within eight days. With months of no significant progress, public skepticism has grown.
As the June 21 deadline approaches, both citizens and the victim’s family are closely watching to see if justice will finally be served.
