Kalyan: The decomposed bodies of an elderly couple, who went missing 10 days ago from Kalyan taluka, were found in a secluded area nearly 20km away in Murbad taluka.Police said they are yet to determine the exact cause of death due to the advanced stage of decomposition, but suspect that the couple may have died by suicide as they were distressed following a dispute with one of their daughters over financial and property-related matters.The deceased were identified as Mahadu Gharat (85) and his wife Kamalabai (75), residents of Bhasale village in Kalyan taluka. According to Kalyan Taluka police, the Gharats had received Rs 30 lakh from a land deal, of which Rs 15 lakh was distributed among their three daughters and a son, all married and living separately. The remaining Rs 15 lakh was deposited in their bank account. However, one of the daughters reportedly demanded a share from that Rs 15 lakh as well.Police said this dispute may have caused distress to the Gharats as before leaving home less than a fortnight ago, they allegedly told their children that they did not want the Rs 15 lakh or even the house.The couple were reported missing on April 18, after which one of their daughters lodged a complaint at the Kalyan Taluka police station. An extensive search operation was launched in nearby areas, but there was no trace of the couple for several days.The case took a turn when Murbad police received information from a local police patil about two bodies found in an isolated area. After conducting a panchnama, the bodies were sent for post-mortem examination.Senior inspector Sachin Hundlekar of Murbad police station said the post-mortem report could not determine the exact cause of death due to the advanced stage of decomposition. “The samples have been sent for chemical analysis, and the report will help ascertain the exact reason,” he said. Hundlekar added that police are simultaneously questioning family members and relatives to piece together the circumstances leading to the deaths.
