Murder of Ola Driver in Bhiwandi Linked to Land Dispute; Five Arrested

Bhiwandi, February 20, 2025 – In a breakthrough a month after the tragic murder of 22-year-old Ola driver Akrim Iqbaluddin Qureshi, the Bhiwandi Taluka police have arrested five individuals involved in the crime. The murder, which occurred on January 17 near the Tansa-Vaitarna Pipeline Road close to Pogaon village in Bhiwandi, initially left investigators without significant leads. However, a series of breakthroughs, including technical analysis of CCTV footage and the victim’s mobile phone records, ultimately led to the identification and arrest of the accused.

The investigation began to gather momentum after the arrest of 25-year-old Jassi Tiwari from Thane on January 21. Tiwari, who was linked to the crime, was apprehended following a detailed examination of footage from nearby surveillance cameras and phone records. Her interrogation proved crucial in unravelling the complex case, leading to the subsequent arrest of four men from Uttar Pradesh. The arrested men—Mohammad Kaif, Isamuddin Riyazuddin Qureshi, Salman Mohammad Shafiq Khan, and Suhail Ahmed Qureshi—are all residents of Haiderpur village in Uttar Pradesh.

Police revealed that the murder was rooted in a longstanding land dispute between Akrim and the four men, dating back to July 2022 in Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh. The four men had planned Akrim's murder as retaliation for this dispute, eventually involving Jassi Tiwari to help set the trap.

According to police reports, Tiwari, who was also originally from Uttar Pradesh and residing in Thane, had pretended to show romantic interest in Akrim, luring him to Bhiwandi under the guise of a personal meeting. Once he arrived at the location, the assailants ambushed him, attacking him with an iron pipe and stones. After the brutal attack, the perpetrators disposed of Akrim's belongings, including his two mobile phones and clothes, by throwing them into the Kalyan creek.

Inspector Dadaso Edke, who is leading the investigation, commended the efforts of the police teams and emphasized the successful coordination that led to solving the case. The arrest of the accused has brought some measure of closure to Akrim’s family, who have expressed their demand for strict punishment for those responsible for his death.

The police have assured that they will continue their investigation to ensure that justice is served swiftly and fairly. Meanwhile, the arrested individuals are expected to face serious charges, including murder and conspiracy, with further proceedings to follow.

Akrim’s family continues to mourn the loss of their beloved son and have called for the harshest possible punishment for the accused.