A horrific incident unfolded in Mulund East, a bustling suburb of Mumbai, on Monday morning, leaving residents in shock. A 56-year-old man, Krishna Daji Ashtankar, allegedly killed his 72-year-old mother-in-law, Babi Daji Usre, by setting her on fire inside a tempo. In a grim turn of events, Krishna himself perished due to the severe burn injuries he sustained during the act.
According to the Navghar police, the incident occurred around 8 AM on February 24, 2025. Krishna, a tempo driver who lived in the vehicle, reportedly lured Babi into it under the guise of taking her to the hospital. Once inside, he locked the shutter, assaulted her with a heavy object, and doused her with petrol before igniting the flames. The fire quickly consumed the tempo, trapping both individuals inside. Despite efforts by the fire brigade and police to extinguish the blaze and access the vehicle, both Krishna and Babi were found dead when the wreckage was finally opened. Their bodies were later sent to Veer Savarkar Hospital, where their deaths were officially confirmed.
Preliminary investigations point to a deep-seated family conflict as the motive. Krishna and his wife had been separated for 7–8 years, and he reportedly harbored resentment toward Babi, blaming her for the breakdown of his marriage. Babi had been living with her daughter and grandson in Nane Pada, Mulund East, while Krishna, struggling with alcohol addiction, resided alone in the tempo he used for his livelihood.
The police have registered a case against Krishna for murder and destruction of evidence, though his death brings a tragic end to any potential legal proceedings. The brutality of the act—combined with its familial roots—has left the local community reeling. “It’s unimaginable that something like this could happen over a family dispute,” said a neighbor, who requested anonymity.
As investigations continue, authorities are piecing together the final moments leading up to the incident. For now, it stands as a stark reminder of how unresolved grievances can spiral into unthinkable violence. Further updates may shed more light on this devastating event as the police delve deeper into the circumstances.