Mumbai: A chilling case of calculated deception and murder has emerged from rural Maharashtra after police revealed that a man presumed dead in a fiery car crash was, in fact, alive – and had allegedly killed another person to fake his own death and claim a ₹10 million life insurance payout.
The case came to light this week when investigators reopened the incident following inconsistencies in forensic evidence and insurance documents linked to the fatal crash. The blaze, which initially appeared to be a tragic accident, was accepted as the man’s death, allowing his family to initiate insurance claims.
However, police said detailed examination of DNA samples and post-mortem findings raised serious doubts about the victim’s identity. Investigators later discovered that the body recovered from the burnt vehicle did not belong to the insured man but to another individual who had been murdered to stage the scene.
According to officials, the accused had meticulously planned the crime, allegedly targeting a victim of a similar physical build. Police believe the man killed the victim elsewhere before placing the body inside the vehicle, which was then set on fire to destroy evidence and mislead authorities.
The intent was to make the death appear accidental while securing a large insurance payout, a senior police officer involved in the investigation said. But forensic analysis and inconsistencies in the insurance paperwork ultimately exposed the truth.
The accused was tracked down alive several weeks later, leading to his arrest. Police said he had been living under the assumption that the case was closed and the insurance claim would soon be settled.
The insurance company had delayed disbursing the payout due to routine verification, which ultimately played a key role in uncovering the fraud. Officials said cooperation between forensic teams, police investigators, and insurers helped unravel the plot.
The accused now faces multiple charges, including murder, criminal conspiracy, fraud, and destruction of evidence. Police said further investigations are underway to determine whether others assisted in the crime or were aware of the plan.
Authorities described the case as one of the most disturbing examples of insurance fraud in recent years, warning that such schemes often involve severe crimes and carry heavy legal consequences.
The investigation remains ongoing, with police continuing to examine financial records and communication data linked to the accused.
