Father commits suicide as minor son held for gold theft

Nashik: A man allegedly committed suicide after his minor son was held for gold theft at the house of a municipal corporator, the place where the accused had been working, the Nashik police have said.

According to official sources, the boy's father - Shripad Tukaram Mhaske (52) consumed poison late Wednesday night near the Bhagur bus stand area.

"Mhaske used to work in the bungalow of architect Shivajirao Patil, who is father-in-law of Congress corporator Hemlata Patil, located in Tilakwadi area. His son would also help out at the bungalow," maintained Inspector Ashok Bhagat of Sarkarwada police station.

"Five gold biscuits of ten tola (10 grams) each valued at Rs 15 lakh and Rs 10,000 in cash were stolen from the bungalow last month. The family noticed the theft on Tuesday and told police that they suspected Mhaske's minor son," he said.

Police investigations led to the minor son and three others, including a goldsmith, being picked up from Selu in Parbhani district on Wednesday.

"Mhaske's son had sold two gold biscuits and bought a motorcycle. He hid three biscuits under the seat of the two-wheeler. We have recovered Rs 1.70 lakh in cash, 28 tolas gold and the motorcycle," Bhagat said.

On hearing about his son's involvement in a theft case, a shocked Mhaske consumed poison, ending his life.

"The minor has been sent to an observation home while three others, identified as Vithal Bahiwal (34), Shivaji Khude (33) and Vijay Nathbhajan (18), have been arrested and brought to Nashik," he said.