In a disturbing incident driven by political ambition, a 28-year-old man from Maharashtra allegedly murdered his six-year-old daughter to become eligible to contest the upcoming Gram Panchayat elections. The accused, Pandurang Kondmangale, reportedly killed the child to bypass Maharashtra’s two-child norm for candidates seeking local body posts.

Body Found in Telangana Canal

The case came to light after the body of a young girl was recovered from the Nizam Sagar canal in Yedapally area of Telangana’s Nizamabad district. Local residents working in nearby fields noticed the child’s body floating in the water and alerted the police. Initial investigations suggested drowning, but further inquiry revealed foul play.

Victim Identified as Prachi from Nanded

Police later identified the victim as Prachi, a six-year-old girl from Kerur village in Mukhed taluka of Maharashtra’s Nanded district. Photographs of the deceased were circulated widely on social media to establish her identity. A breakthrough occurred when a resident from Maharashtra recognised the girl and informed the authorities.

Prachi’s father, Pandurang, was taken in for questioning by the Nizamabad police. During interrogation, he allegedly attempted to mislead investigators by claiming that his daughter was undergoing medical treatment at a health centre. However, inconsistencies in his statements raised suspicion, prompting sustained questioning.

Confession Reveals Sinister Plot

Under interrogation, Pandurang reportedly confessed to murdering his daughter. Police revealed that the accused, who runs a barber shop in his village, was eager to contest the upcoming Panchayat elections. However, he was disqualified due to having three children, a three-year-old son and six-year-old twin daughters.

Investigators stated that Pandurang sought advice from his friend, Ganesh Ramchandra Shinde, the sitting sarpanch of the village. The two allegedly conspired to eliminate one child to meet the eligibility criteria. Ganesh Shinde has also been arrested for his alleged role in the conspiracy.

Failed Attempts to Bypass the Law

Before resorting to murder, the accused reportedly explored other options, including adoption and abandonment. Police said adoption was ruled out as the child would still remain officially registered in birth records. Abandonment was also dismissed due to fears the child might return, leading to exposure.

On January 29, Pandurang allegedly took Prachi on his motorcycle to the Nizam Sagar canal, nearly 90 kilometres from his village, and pushed her into the water before fleeing. Farmers nearby heard a splash and discovered the child’s body soon after.

Arrests and Charges

Both Pandurang Kondmangale and village sarpanch Ganesh Shinde have been arrested. Police have added charges including murder, kidnapping, and conspiracy under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The investigation is ongoing.

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