Badlapur Congress leader's death, believed natural for 3 years, exposed as snakebite murder

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The death of Congress woman office-bearer Neerja Ambekar in Badlapur, believed to be natural for three years, has now been revealed as a planned murder allegedly orchestrated by her husband, Rupesh Ambekar.

The truth came to light during the interrogation of history-sheeter Rishikesh Chalke, who was recently arrested in connection with a separate attempted murder case during the election period in Badlapur, Free Press Journal reported.

While being questioned about his past crimes, Chalke allegedly confessed to his role in Neerja’s murder, claiming that Rupesh Ambekar had planned the killing with the help of three accomplices, Chalke himself, Chetan Dudhane, and Kunal Chaudhary. The crime had been staged to appear as a death caused by a snakebite.

How the murder was executed

Investigators said the accused allegedly brought a venomous snake hidden in a sack and placed it in the Ambekar residence. Under the pretext of massaging Neerja’s legs, she was made to lie down in the hall. Chetan Dudhane, reportedly a snake handler, then handed the snake to Chalke, who allegedly ensured it bit Neerja three times near her left ankle, resulting in her death.

At the time, the incident was treated as accidental. An Accidental Death Report (ADR) was filed, and no foul play was suspected, allowing the accused to avoid suspicion for nearly three years.

Following Chalke’s confession, police have arrested all four accused, Rupesh Ambekar, Chetan Dudhane, Kunal Chaudhary, and Rishikesh Chalke. The case has now been officially reopened as a murder investigation.

Doctors’ role under investigation

Police are also examining the role of doctors who had issued Neerja’s death certificate, which had declared her death as natural. Officials from Kulgaon–Badlapur government hospital are likely to be questioned for possible negligence or procedural lapses.

“We are re-examining medical records, forensic evidence, and witness statements to build a watertight case against the accused,” a senior officer was quoted by FPJ as saying.