Kalyan: The horrific murder of a 74-year-old woman, Ranjana Patkar, allegedly by Islamist Akbar Sheikh, has shocked the community. The accused, Akbar Sheikh (30), was recently arrested by the Kalyan Khadkpada police in connection with the crime.
Sheikh is a repeat offender who had earlier been convicted in 2014 for the murder of a woman during a robbery while working as a domestic gas cylinder delivery worker. Following his arrest in that case, stolen items were reportedly recovered, and he was sentenced to life imprisonment by a court.
ठाणे कल्याण, महाराष्ट्र
पुलिस गिरफ्त में यह मोहम्मद अकबर है
इसकी कहानी जानकर आप सोचने पर मजबूर हो जाएंगे भारत के न्यायपालिका किस तरह से इस्लामपरस्त और मुस्लिम परस्त हो चुकी है
2014 में यह मोहम्मद अकबर घरेलू गैस सिलेंडर डिलीवरी का काम करता था
सिलेंडर की डिलीवरी देने के घर… pic.twitter.com/6wUFsV22Fj
— 🇮🇳Jitendra pratap singh🇮🇳 (@jpsin1) April 7, 2026
According to the Kalyan Khadkpada Police, Sheikh had been planning to start a momo-selling business but lacked the financial resources. Investigators say he began surveying potential targets and identified 74-year-old Ranjana Patkar as vulnerable, as she often stayed alone at home.
Planned Entry and Brutal Crime
On March 20, Sheikh allegedly approached Patkar’s residence and gained entry under the pretext of asking for water. Once inside, he reportedly increased the television volume to drown out any noise before strangling the elderly woman. He then looted gold jewellery, including a mangalsutra and earrings, estimated to be worth around Rs 1.05 lakh, and fled the scene.
Initial Misstep and Breakthrough
In the immediate aftermath, suspicion fell on another individual, who was detained by police and later sent to judicial custody at Adharwadi Jail. However, the investigation continued, with police conducting extensive groundwork, questioning over 100 local residents and keeping a close watch on known offenders in the area.
A breakthrough came when an informant provided a crucial lead pointing to Sheikh. Police detained him for questioning, during which he allegedly confessed to the crime. The stolen jewellery was subsequently recovered from his possession, strengthening the case against him.
