Overview
- Police in Nizamabad arrested Pandurang Kondamangale and Kerur’s sitting sarpanch, Ganesh Shinde, after the child’s body was found in the Nizamsagar canal on January 29.
- Investigators have booked the pair under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita with charges including murder and kidnapping, with the inquiry continuing.
- Officers say the motive was to qualify for Maharashtra gram panchayat elections that disqualify candidates with more than two children.
- Identification of the victim, Prachi, was expedited when a constable shared the unidentified child’s photo on WhatsApp, prompting Mukhed police to recognize her.
- Police cite Kondamangale’s tower location data, inconsistent statements, and an alleged confession, noting earlier failed attempts at adoption and record changes reportedly advised or facilitated by Shinde.