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By:

Dr. Abhilash Dawre

19 March 2025 at 5:18:41 pm

Snakebite murder exposed after three years

Congress woman leader killed in chilling plot by husband, four arrested Accused Rupesh Amberkar & Death Neerja Amberkar Badlapur : Maharashtra has been rocked by the shocking revelation that a Congress party woman office-bearer was brutally murdered through a planned snakebite, allegedly orchestrated by her own husband with the help of a snake rescuer. After remaining hidden for three years as an accidental death, the case has now been cracked by the police, leading to the arrest of four...

Snakebite murder exposed after three years

Congress woman leader killed in chilling plot by husband, four arrested Accused Rupesh Amberkar & Death Neerja Amberkar Badlapur : Maharashtra has been rocked by the shocking revelation that a Congress party woman office-bearer was brutally murdered through a planned snakebite, allegedly orchestrated by her own husband with the help of a snake rescuer. After remaining hidden for three years as an accidental death, the case has now been cracked by the police, leading to the arrest of four accused, including the husband. According to police investigations, Neerja Amberkar, a Congress office-bearer from Badlapur, was killed in a premeditated conspiracy in which a poisonous snake was deliberately used as a murder weapon. Her husband, Rupesh Amberkar, initially reported her death as accidental. At the time, no suspicious circumstances were found at the scene, and the post-mortem report also did not raise strong doubts, resulting in the case being registered as an Accidental Death Report (ADR).   However, over time, technical evidence, witness statements, and confidential information raised serious suspicions about the nature of the death. Acting on new inputs received around six months ago, police reopened the case and began a detailed reinvestigation.   Husband Confesses During the renewed probe, police questioned the deceased woman’s family members, relatives, and local residents. Investigators found the husband’s behavior, his financial and domestic disputes, and his links with a snake rescuer to be suspicious. Under sustained interrogation, Rupesh Amberkar confessed to the crime, revealing that he had arranged for a poisonous snake to be brought into the house and used to kill his wife. As per police findings, a poisonous snake was procured from a snake rescuer and kept in the house for three to four days. On the day of the incident, Neerja Amberkar was told that a massage therapist had been called to relieve her leg pain. She was asked to lie face down on a mat in the hall.   Under the pretext of giving a massage, one accused held her leg, while the snake rescuer removed the snake from a gunny bag kept in the kitchen using a stick and handed it to another accomplice. Rupesh Amberkar allegedly sat on Neerja’s back to restrain her, after which the snake was made to bite her near the left ankle three times, leading to her death.   Case Reopened Neerja Amberkar, who was the Congress Assembly President from Murmad constituency in Badlapur, was murdered three years ago. Police officials stated that while investigating another case around six months ago, they received confidential information suggesting that her death was not natural. In December, an accused in a separate attempted murder case was arrested, and during his interrogation, crucial information linking the snakebite death to murder came to light. This breakthrough confirmed that the earlier ADR was, in fact, a homicide.   Police have arrested four accused in the case • Rupesh Satishchandra Amberkar (40) – Husband of the deceased • Rishikesh Ramesh Chalke – Resident of Aptewadi, Badlapur • Kunal Vishwanath Chaudhary (25) – Resident of MHADA Colony, Sadguru Bungalow, Badlapur • Chetan Vijay Dudhane (36) – Snake rescuer, resident of Ganesh Nagar, Badlapur   All the accused have been produced before the court. Police have also indicated that the doctors who prepared the initial post-mortem report will be questioned, as there is suspicion that certain aspects were overlooked during the initial examination.   While speaking to ‘ The Perfect Voice’ , Assistant Commissioner of Police Shailesh Kale said that ADR No. 53/2022 was registered at Badlapur East Police Station following Neerja Amberkar’s death. As no objections or suspicions were raised at the time and the medical opinion suggested no foul play, the case was closed. “However, based on confidential information received recently indicating that the death was a murder and not natural, we have been working on this case for the last six months. Four accused have been arrested in connection with this crime,” he stated.   The sensational murder case, exposed after three years, has sent shockwaves through political circles and the local community. Police have confirmed that further investigation is underway, and more startling details may emerge in the coming days.

Imran Khan’s Fall from Grace

Updated: Oct 21, 2024

Imran Khan’s Fall from Grace

Imran Khan, once hailed as Pakistan’s most charismatic and resilient leader now finds himself in a position unprecedented for a man of his stature.

The former Prime Minister of Pakistan, once known for his unyielding spirit and fierce determination, now shows signs of strain. Imprisoned and facing numerous charges, Khan appears to be a shadow of the leader who once inspired millions.

Khan’s recent meeting with journalists revealed a man who is a shell of his former self. Once confident and commanding, his body now shows a sense of unease and agitation. Those who met him describe a waning spirit, a stark change for a leader once known for his steadfastness in adversity.

The journalists described Khan as a man who is aware that his political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), is losing its once-iron grip on the nation’s imagination―a realisation that visibly shook him.

The PTI, once a magnet for massive crowds and inspired loyalty among its supporters, is now struggling. The much-hyped rally scheduled for August 22 in Islamabad, was embarrassingly cancelled due to a lack of public interest. Khan, in a bid to save face, claimed that the rally was called off to avoid potential violence. In a sign of growing desperation, Khan rescheduled the rally for September 8 and directed his party leaders to overcome any obstacles. This defiant stance is typical of Khan’s confrontational style, and his public directives highlight his insecurity about his party’s ability to mobilise support.

While Khan outwardly appears calm and composed, the multiple cases against him and his time in jail have left him isolated and struggling with loneliness. Even in this difficult situation, he remains in the headlines, thanks to his uncanny ability to stay in the public’s eye. Khan recently made headlines by applying for the University of Oxford Chancellorship, a move initially dismissed as a rumor but confirmed by his spokesman, Sayed Zulfikar Bukhari. As an Oxford alumnus, Khan would be the first Asian to take the role. Many see this bid as a strategic play to leverage his international profile against Pakistan’s establishment, a move that has kept him prominently in the media spotlight.

The political landscape in Pakistan is deeply divided. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, in his second term, has failed to address critical issues including unemployment, soaring inflation, and deteriorating law and order. His administration’s inability to deliver on its promises has only deepened the public’s disillusionment, leading to growing nostalgia for Khan’s past leadership.

Shahbaz Sharif’s government is a source of frustration for the Pakistani people and a cause for concern for the country’s military. Historically, the military has shaped Pakistan’s political trajectory, stepping in when civilian governments falter. The military reportedly is growing uneasy about the government’s performance especially Sharif’s inability to stabilize the country and mend relationships with key neighbors, particularly India. Additionally, its deteriorating ties with Afghanistan and Iran have left Pakistan increasingly isolated. Even China, Pakistan’s longstanding ally, has expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s policies, a worrying sign given the importance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to the country’s economic future.

It is within this context of political turmoil and international isolation that Imran Khan remains a potent force. Despite his legal troubles and the challenges facing his party, Khan’s popularity endures. For millions of Pakistanis, his tenure as Prime Minister is seen as a time of relative stability and hope, a stark contrast to the current administration’s ineptitude. This perception has kept Khan’s political base intact, even as his party faces an uphill battle in the coming months.

However, Khan’s ability to navigate the current political landscape is far from guaranteed. The PTI’s diminishing support, coupled with the increasing pressure from the establishment, raises questions about Khan’s long-term strategy. His recent moves, including the application for the Oxford Chancellorship, suggest a leader willing to explore unconventional avenues to maintain his relevance. But whether these tactics will translate into a successful political comeback remains to be seen.

Pakistan’s political future is more uncertain than ever. Imran Khan’s journey from cricketing legend to political maverick has been extraordinary. Still, as he faces the toughest challenge of his career, the question remains: Can he once again defy the odds and reclaim his place at the helm of Pakistani politics, or is this the beginning of the end for a once unstoppable leader?

Khan’s story is a testament to the complexities of power and the unpredictable nature of political life in Pakistan. His rise, driven by charisma, populism, and a genuine desire for change, now faces the realities of personal and political challenges, raising the possibility that his time may be running out.

Imran Khan is a beacon of hope for his supporters, and a polarizing figure for detractors, whose ambitions have often clouded his judgment. As the nation watches, the world is left to wonder: What will Imran Khan’s next move be? And more importantly, what does it mean for the future of Pakistan? The coming months will be critical not only for Imran Khan but for Pakistan as a whole. The decisions made during this period will shape the country’s trajectory for years. Whether Khan emerges victorious or is consigned to the annals of history as a fallen leader, one thing is certain: The story of Imran Khan is far from over.

(The writer is a senior jounalist based in Islamabad. Views personal)

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