Thane: Three men arrested for 'killing' sister

In a shocking incident, three men were arrested in Thane district for allegedly killing their divorcee sister and burning her body two months ago, the police said on Wednesday.

A search for the fourth brother is underway who is also accused in the case, said Deputy Commissioner of Police S S Burse.

Victim Pratibha Mhatre (29) was living with her brothers at Daighar after she and her husband had divorce. She worked at a beer bar.

The brothers found her behavior scandalous which led to quarrels and they wanted her to live separately, as per the preliminary probe.

On the intervening night of May 1 and 2, the accused strangulated her, stuffed her body in a plastic bag and burnt it in a field using wood, tyres and kerosene, the DCP said. Later they dumped her remains in a creek.

The Shil-Daighar police started a probe after receiving a tip-off about the killing.

Natha Ashok Patil (31), Bhagwan Ashok Patil (24), Balaji Ashok Patil (20) were arrested late Tuesday night on the charge of murder while Pandurang Ashok Patil was absconding, the DCP said, adding that further probe was on.