A 25-year-old engineering student, Utkarsh Dhakhole, has been arrested from Nagpur, Maharashtra, for allegedly murdering his parents over a dispute regarding his education and career. The double murder took place on December 26, 2024, at the residence of the Dhakhole family in Kapil Nagar, Nagpur. It was only on the morning of January 3, 2025, that the crime came to light after neighbors complained of a foul smell emanating from the house.
Details of the Murder
As per the police reports, Utkarsh strangled his mother, 50-year-old Aruna Dhakhole, a schoolteacher, at noon on December 26. In the evening, when his father, 55-year-old Liladhar Dhakhole, a technician at a power plant and a social worker, returned home, Utkarsh allegedly stabbed him to death. After committing the brutal killings, Utkarsh left the bodies at the residence and did not immediately inform anyone.
Motive Behind the Murder
According to the police, the motive for the murder was a tiff between Utkarsh and his parents regarding his career. Utkarsh, who had been academically poor and failed multiple subjects in his engineering course, was reportedly being compelled by his parents to quit engineering and pursue some other career. However, Utkarsh refused to accept their advice, which escalated into the tragic events that followed.
Actions After the Murder
Utkarsh then deceived his younger sister, who did not know of the murders, by taking her to their uncle’s house. He told her and other relatives that their parents had gone to Bengaluru for a meditation program. Utkarsh and his sister stayed with their uncle, and no one suspected anything unusual at the time.
Discovery and Arrest
The bodies of Liladhar and Aruna were found when neighbors complained about the bad smell. After the inquiry, Utkarsh was caught, and on interrogation, he confessed to the crime. The decomposed bodies were recovered from the house, and the police have further launched an investigation into the case.
It is really a tragic incident, which reflects the pressure and focuses on academic success and career choices facing students which can sometimes have irreversible consequences. The authorities are continuing their investigations with Utkarsh in police custody.
