Mumbai: Tattoo on victim’s body helps police identify suspects

Mumbai police have arrested five individuals, including spa owner Santosh Sherekar, in connection with the murder of Guru Waghmare, a self-proclaimed Right to Information (RTI) activist. Waghmare, 48, who had a history of criminal cases, was killed at the Soft Touch Spa in Worli early Wednesday morning.

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Police revealed that during Waghmare's autopsy, they discovered he had tattooed the names of 22 individuals he believed could harm him on his thighs. Among these names was Sherekar, one of the suspects arrested.

Sherekar, reportedly frustrated by Waghmare's repeated extortion threats, allegedly contracted Mohammed Feroze Ansari, 26, to carry out the murder for a sum of ₹6 lakh. Ansari, who previously owned a spa in Nallasopara, had his establishment shut down last year following a raid instigated by a complaint from Waghmare.

According to police, Ansari sought Sherekar's assistance to stop Waghmare's damaging complaints and extortion attempts against spa owners. Sherekar allegedly responded by arranging for Waghmare's elimination.

The police have also arrested two alleged assailants and two additional suspects in connection with the crime.

Waghmare, known for his activist claims, had several criminal cases against him, making his murder a complex case involving personal vendettas and criminal undertones. The police continue to investigate the full extent of the conspiracy and the roles of all involved parties.