Ghatkopar woman had accused in-laws of domestic violence; she returned from Dubai alone, then was killed

Dhanlaxmi Ghanji, a 65-year-old woman from Ghatkopar, is accused of murdering her 35-year-old daughter-in-law, Sapna, in a case of alleged domestic violence. The motive behind the alleged crime was Dhanlaxmi's discovery that Sapna was returning from Dubai to India without her husband, Pramod. According to police, Dhanlaxmi was unable to cope with the fact that Sapna had filed a domestic violence complaint against the in-laws and had suspicions about her having an affair and consuming alcohol.

Sapna went to Dubai with her husband and son earlier that year. Dhanlaxmi allegedly began plotting the murder when she realized Sapna would be alone upon her return. She contacted her former maid, Mangala Jadhav, and involved her in the plan. On the day of the murder, the maid noticed Sapna under the influence of alcohol and informed others. Dhanlaxmi, along with Mangala's family members, including her husband, daughter, and son, covertly entered the house and killed Sapna.

The police found evidence of the crime, such as black and blue marks around Sapna's neck and blood on her left side of the head, indicating a hard surface impact. Dhanlaxmi initially claimed she had pushed Sapna during a fight, but the severity of her injuries contradicted this statement. Five people have been arrested in connection with the case.