Nagpur, June 9:-
A 19-year-old resident of Hudkeshwar, Nagpur, has been arrested for allegedly poisoning his best friend in a case that police believe was driven by jealousy.
The accused, Mithlesh alias “Manthan” Rajendra Chakole, is alleged to have poisoned 18-year-old Vedant alias Vijay Kalidas Khandate, his childhood friend and neighbour. Investigators say Chakole was envious of Vedant’s family’s recent move into a newly constructed two-storey home, which may have triggered the motive.
According to police, on April 8, Chakole invited Vedant to a local paan shop, where both consumed soft drinks. It is alleged that Chakole had laced Vedant’s beverage with a pesticide-based cockroach repellent gel. Vedant later returned home feeling unwell and was admitted to a hospital in Sakkardara. Despite receiving medical care, he slipped into a coma and died on April 12.
Initially registered as an accidental death, the case took a turn when forensic analysis confirmed the presence of poison in Vedant’s system. Chakole was brought in for questioning, during which he reportedly confessed to mixing the poison in an attempt to “make Vedant sick.”
Police stated that Chakole claimed he had no intention to kill, but panicked when Vedant’s condition worsened. In an attempt to mislead investigators, he also allegedly left a fake ransom note on Vedant’s father’s vehicle to divert suspicion.
Chakole has been arrested and charged with murder. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are reviewing all angles of the case, including any additional planning or intent involved in the crime.
The incident has caused considerable concern in the local community, given the close relationship between the two individuals involved.
