"They had the body with them for more than three days."
The adopted Indian daughter of a man whose body parts were found inside a suitcase has been arrested in connection with his murder.
The 19-year-old girl’s boyfriend was also arrested. Witnesses had discovered the suitcase on a beach in Mahim, Mumbai.
Reportedly, the boyfriend admitted to killing the man. He told officers that it was due to the victim opposing their relationship.
He also alleged that the victim would sexually assault his adopted daughter.
On December 2, 2019, locals noticed a suitcase on the beach. As they approached it, they saw that it was slightly open and part of a human leg was sticking out.
The police were immediately informed. Officers arrived at the scene and seized the suitcase.
Further examination of the luggage revealed a severed arm, part of a leg and various items of clothing. A plastic bag contained the victim’s genitals.
The body parts were sent to Mumbai’s Sion Hospital and a case was registered.
During the investigation, officers focused on a tag that was found on the victim’s clothes which said ‘Almo Tailor.’
They located Almo Menswear in Kurla. An employee had told officers that they were unable to tell them who had bought the clothing.
Officers then checked the bill book and eventually identified the victim as Bennett Rebelo.
Mr Rebelo’s Facebook account was checked and one of his photos showed him wearing the same sweater like the one that was found in the suitcase.
A police team went to Mr Rebelo’s home in Vakola. Neighbours told officers that he lived with his adopted Indian daughter named Aradhya alias Riya.
They managed to locate Riya who claimed her adoptive father had gone to Canada. Other parts of her statement showed discrepancies and she was arrested.
Her 16-year-old boyfriend was also arrested. He later detailed what had happened.
He told officers that Mr Rebelo sexually assaulted Riya on numerous occasions. The abuse and his opposition against their relationship led to Riya and her boyfriend coming up with a plan to kill him.
On November 26, 2019, Riya and her lover stabbed Mr Rebelo to death.
They then bought four knives and chopped up the body.
They later stuffed the body parts into a suitcase and dumped it. A police official said: “They had the body with them for more than three days.
“They chopped it up. The minor will be sent to a juvenile home.”
“We are yet to verify the claims made by the accused persons and our investigation is continuing.”
The Mumbai Mirror reported that Riya remains in custody. While her lover has explained what had happened, she is yet to confess.
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