Authorities in Shahapur taluka made a grim discovery on Friday afternoon after a car was pulled from a nullah near Kudus village, revealing three decomposed bodies inside. The incident occurred near the Mumbai-Nashik Highway, raising serious concerns about road safety and the possibility of foul play.
The vehicle, identified as a white Maruti Suzuki Swift with a Mumbai registration number, was found overturned in the water. According to officials from Thane Rural Police, the car likely remained undetected for several days due to persistent rain and high water levels. Local residents noticed the vehicle after the water receded and informed the police.
Upon recovery, officers found the remains of two men and one woman inside the locked car. Given the advanced state of decomposition, immediate identification of the victims was not possible. The bodies have been sent to the Thane Civil Hospital for post-mortem examinations to determine the cause and time of death.
Assistant Police Inspector Mahesh Kale, speaking to the media, confirmed that all possible angles are being considered. “While the situation suggests a possible road accident, we are thoroughly investigating whether foul play was involved,” he said.
The Shahapur police have initiated inquiries with the Regional Transport Office to trace the car’s owner. Simultaneously, missing person reports filed in Mumbai, Thane, and neighboring districts are being reviewed to assist in identification.
The incident has left the local community shocked. Villagers gathered at the site expressed concern over the lack of safety measures on roads running alongside water bodies, especially during monsoon season. “There are no barricades or warning signs on this stretch of the road,” said one resident, urging authorities to install safety infrastructure immediately.
Authorities have not yet confirmed when the car entered the nullah. However, investigators believe it may have happened during heavy rainfall earlier in the week, making it difficult to detect until now.
Efforts are also being made to examine CCTV footage from surrounding areas to trace the car’s movements prior to the incident. Meanwhile, police have appealed to the public for any information that could help identify the deceased or clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident.
This case has underscored long-standing issues related to road safety in rural Maharashtra. As monsoon rains begin, officials are being urged to carry out safety inspections and implement preventive measures to avoid further tragedies.
