Sixteen-year-old guy, the prime accused in the Borivli murder case of Subhashchandra Desai, was desperately in need of money after lying to his parents that he had found a decent job. Praveen is now lodged at the Dongri home for juvenile delinquents with his 17-year-old co-accused . Their third associate, Sanjay Ranpise (21), has been remanded in police custody till February 28 by a metropolitan court.
The three were unemployed. "Praveen, an only son, had recently told his parents that he had found a job with a monthly salary of Rs 5,000. But as month-end drew near, he got worried. His parents would have demanded the salary amount," investigating officer Nitin Tadakhe said.
"Praveen, Om and Sanjay knew that Desai was homosexual and frequently visited him at his residence. When they learnt that Desai owned a lot of property, they decided to rob him. To avoid being identified by Desai later, they also plotted to kill him. The plan was hatched at a garden on Chandavarkar Road," another official said. The police has learnt that Praveen was recently diagnosed with a terminal illness. His associate, Om, has a past crime record. "Om was involved in two burglary cases at Borivli (W) in 2009. He was caught both times, but Desai helped him procure bail," the official added.
On Sunday, Praveen went to Desai's apartment alone, while Sanjay stood at a skywalk overlooking the house and Om waited in the garden. After attacking Desai repeatedly with a knife, glass bottle and bowling pins, Praveen ushered his friends into the house. But the boys found only Rs 1,500 and two old cellphones in the house. They then put everything back in its place and slipped out of the house, leaving Desai in a pool of blood. The keys to the flat were hidden at Om's residence.
Police officials said Sanjay and Praveen reside at Rawalpada in Dahisar. Om stays at Eksar in Borivli.
