Shrivardhan, Maharashtra: A 72-year-old retired banker, Ramdas Govind Khaire, was murdered in a chilling plot allegedly orchestrated by his former live-in partner, Archana Salve (36), and her husband, Harshal Ankush (33), police in Raigad district revealed.

The crime came to light on December 1, when Khaire’s children, concerned over his unreachable phone, requested a neighbor to check on him. The police discovered Khaire’s body in his locked residence, bearing severe head injuries. Initially suspected to be an accident, the case turned into a murder probe upon further investigation.

Salve, who had lived with Khaire for over a year before marrying Ankush in June 2024, allegedly conspired with her husband to kill Khaire after he demanded the return of gold and cash she had taken during their relationship.
According to police, on November 29, Salve spiked Khaire’s food with pesticide, rendering him unconscious. Harshal Ankush then entered the house, where the duo fatally attacked Khaire with a heavy object and smothered him. They ransacked the house before fleeing.

Both suspects were arrested in Chembur and charged under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita. Khaire, a twice-widowed father of three, is survived by two sons and a daughter.