Environmental Defender Brutally Killed After Confronting Polluters in Village
Maharashtra man brutally murdered for opposing river poisoning.
In a horrific incident in Maharashtra's Palghar district, a 55-year-old man was beaten to death by three individuals after he confronted them for polluting a river. The tragic event unfolded on Monday in Saturli village, Mokhada taluka, sending shockwaves through the local community. The police acted swiftly, apprehending the culprits within 12 hours of the crime.
The victim, Navasu Ladkya Phuphane, a resident of Saturli, took a stand against environmental harm when he spotted three men—Jitendra alias Jitu Jayram Patil (31), Ritesh alias Gudda Tukaram Patil (23), and Pramod alias Panya Chintaman Warghade (25)—throwing a poisonous substance into the Vaitarna river to kill fish. His attempt to protect the river cost him his life.
According to Superintendent of Police Yatish Deshmukh, the confrontation escalated when the accused, all local residents, later tracked down Phuphane. Fueled by rage, they verbally abused him and his son before launching a brutal attack with wooden sticks. The assailants went further, tying Phuphane with a rope and dragging him through the village while continuing their relentless assault. Despite efforts to save him, Phuphane succumbed to his injuries.
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The victim's son, who witnessed the horrifying ordeal, promptly filed a complaint at Mokhada Police Station. The police registered a case of murder and related offences under the relevant sections of the law. Determined to deliver justice, authorities formed multiple teams to hunt down the perpetrators. Their swift action led to the arrest of Patil, Patil, and Warghade within hours, showcasing the efficiency of the local police force.
This tragic incident has sparked outrage among residents, raising concerns about environmental protection and vigilante violence in rural areas. The Vaitarna river, a vital water source for the region, has long been a lifeline for local communities, and Phuphane’s attempt to safeguard it highlights the growing tension between environmental conservation and local practices.
As the investigation continues, the police are delving deeper into the motives behind the crime and the events leading up to the deadly confrontation. The accused are currently in custody, and authorities are preparing to press charges. Meanwhile, the community mourns the loss of a man who stood up for what he believed in, only to pay the ultimate price.
This case serves as a grim reminder of the need for awareness and dialogue to prevent such senseless acts of violence. The people of Saturli are left grappling with grief and questions about how to protect both their environment and their safety moving forward.
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