Chilli powder thrown in eyes, strangled: Woman hired ex-help to kill daughter-in-law

A Mumbai woman was allegedly killed after her mother-in-law hired a former domestic worker's family for Rs 3 lakh. The case unfolded after police noticed severe injury marks, as CCTV footage and technical evidence pointed to a planned attack.Mumbai woman hired ex-house help, paid Rs 3 lakh to have daughter-in-law killed (Photo: ITG)A 35-year-old woman was allegedly murdered at her home in Mumbai after her mother-in-law hired a former domestic worker and her family to carry out the killing for Rs 3 lakh, police said. The woman was allegedly attacked with a glass, had chilli powder thrown into her eyes and was strangled with a piece of cloth.The victim, identified as Sapna Gangi, was found unconscious at her home on the night of August 16. Her mother-in-law, 60-year-old Dhanlaxmi Gangi, initially told police that Sapna had fallen in the bathroom following an argument between them.The case came to light after a hospital informed Pant Nagar police on August 17 that Sapna had been brought in for treatment following an alleged fall. Doctors declared her dead at around 12.41 pm.Police examining the body noticed dark blue marks around her neck and bleeding on the left side of her head, raising suspicion of foul play. During questioning, Dhanlaxmi allegedly admitted that she had pushed Sapna during an argument. However, further investigation, including examination of CCTV footage and technical evidence, allegedly revealed that the death was the result of a planned attack. According to police, Dhanlaxmi had been angry with Sapna over several issues. Police said Sapna had earlier filed a case against her in-laws in 2024 under provisions relating to cruelty and other offences and had also approached authorities under the Domestic Violence Act.Sapna had returned to Mumbai from Dubai with her son in June 2026 for a holiday, police said. Around a month before the murder, Dhanlaxmi allegedly approached her former domestic worker, Mangala Jadhav, and offered Rs 3 lakh to her and her family to kill Sapna. Police said Mangala, her husband Suresh, their 21-year-old daughter Shivani and son Sajan were allegedly involved in the conspiracy.On August 16, when Sapna was alone at home, the accused allegedly entered the house one after another. Police said they hit her on the head with a glass, threw chilli powder into her eyes and strangled her with a cloth.Police further alleged that Suresh and Sajan pressed their feet against Sapna's neck even after she had stopped breathing, to ensure her death. The accused allegedly then attempted to destroy evidence at the scene.Dhanlaxmi was arrested on August 17, while Mangala, Shivani, Suresh and Sajan were arrested on August 18. The investigation is being conducted by Pant Nagar police, with the accused being produced before the court for remand.- EndsPublished By: Priyanka KumariPublished On: Aug 20, 2026 21:20 IST