VASAI: The son of Ashok Dhodi, a coordinator for the Dahanu-Talasari assembly with the Shiv Sena (Shinde), has alleged that property and liquor disputes may be behind his father’s disappearance. Dhodi has been missing since the evening of 20 January.
Akash alleged that his youngest uncle, along with his associates involved in selling Daman-based liquor, is behind the kidnapping. He also accused the uncle of threatening his mother over property disputes in the past. A missing person’s complaint was filed on 22 January, and the police have since registered a case under the “Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita” (BNS) sections for kidnapping and abduction with intent to kill or cause harm.
Ashok had travelled to Mira Road on 19 January and returned to Dahanu the following evening. He called his family while on his way home to inform them about his arrival and asked them to keep food ready. However, he never arrived at his house in Vevaji village, Talasari taluka.
The family tried repeatedly to contact him, but both his mobile phones were switched off. On 21 January, a villager informed Akash that he had seen Ashok’s car speeding through the area at around 7.30 pm on 20 January. Following this information, the family filed a missing complaint, and police, along with the family, began search operations. CCTV footage also confirmed that his red car was seen on the evening of 20 January.
While searching the mountains near Vevaji village the next day, Akash found some of Ashok’s belongings, including a slipper, blood-stained documents, spectacles, and shattered car glass. These items were collected as evidence by the police.
Akash then alerted the authorities about his suspicions regarding his uncle, Avinash Dhodi. In his FIR, Akash stated that five to six years ago, Avinash had threatened his mother, saying he would kill Ashok and make her a widow. He also alleged that Avinash had made two previous attempts to harm his father within the past year. Additionally, Ashok had opposed Avinash’s involvement in selling Daman-based liquor and had lodged complaints with the excise department and police, which Akash believes could have motivated the crime.
“My husband, Ashok Dhodi, went to Mumbai on the 19th evening by train and returned on the 20th. While on his way home via the Dahanu-Gholvad road, he called me to keep the food ready. But after that, his number has been switched off,” said Late, Dhodi’s wife.
Kundan Sankhe, a senior Shiv Sena (Shinde) leader, said, “We are in touch with the police investigating the case. It has been seven days since his disappearance, and his car has been spotted in CCTV footage. The investigation needs to pick up speed.”
Palghar SP Balasaheb Patil said, “We have dispatched teams who are actively investigating the case and are in regular contact with the Dhodi family.”