Panaji: The Goa businessman murder investigation has taken a major turn with the arrest of a 36-year-old woman from Karnataka, who police allege targeted wealthy businessmen visiting casinos by luring, drugging and robbing them. Investigators believe the accused used a similar method in the death of Malpe entrepreneur Sandeep Saliyan, whose body was found inside a Goa lodge earlier this week.
The accused, identified as Akshata alias Mamata alias Roopashri, was arrested in Mangaluru by Goa Police on the night of July 3 following an investigation that relied on CCTV footage and other evidence. Police have registered a murder case and are continuing to examine whether she acted alone or had accomplices.
Goa Businessman Murder Investigation Began as Suspected Natural Death
Sandeep Saliyan, 41, owned a successful water sports business in Malpe and had travelled to Goa on June 30.
His death initially appeared to be the result of a heart attack after he was found inside a lodge where he had been staying. However, investigators became suspicious after discovering that his gold ornaments were missing, prompting a detailed inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Police began reviewing surveillance footage from the lodge and nearby locations in an effort to reconstruct Saliyan’s final movements.
The investigation soon identified a woman who had entered the lodge with the businessman and was later seen leaving the premises alone.
CCTV Footage Leads Police to Karnataka
According to Goa Police, CCTV footage proved crucial in tracing the suspect.
Investigators tracked the woman’s movements after she left the lodge and eventually located her in Mangaluru, Karnataka. She was arrested during a late-night operation on July 3.
Police said the accused used multiple aliases, including Akshata, Mamata and Roopashri, and frequently changed her identity depending on where she was operating, making it more difficult for authorities to track her activities.
The woman is currently in police custody while investigators continue questioning her about the incident.
Police Suspect Similar Modus Operandi in Multiple Cases
According to investigators, the Goa businessman murder probe revealed that the accused allegedly targeted affluent businessmen visiting casinos and luxury hotels.
Police claim she contacted potential victims through social media before arranging meetings in Goa. Investigators suspect she would then accompany the victims to hotels or lodges, allegedly administer intoxicating substances, steal valuables and leave before the victims recovered.
Officials are also investigating allegations that she blackmailed some individuals after establishing contact with them.
Police believe Sandeep Saliyan may have been targeted using the same method, although forensic examination and further investigation will determine the exact cause of death.
Previous Criminal Case Under Investigation
Investigators said the accused has previously been involved in a similar criminal case.
In an earlier incident, she allegedly drugged a Gujarat-based businessman, identified as Tomesh Yadav, at a hotel before stealing jewellery worth approximately ₹2.40 lakh.
Police arrested her in that case, but she was later released on bail.
Authorities are now examining whether additional offences across different states may be connected to the accused’s alleged activities. Investigators are also verifying whether other victims may have been targeted using a similar pattern of operation.
Who Was Sandeep Saliyan?
Sandeep Saliyan had previously worked as a driver for former Karnataka minister Pramod Madhwaraj before establishing his own water sports business in Malpe.
Over the years, he built a successful tourism-related enterprise and was known in the local business community.
His sudden death has shocked family members and associates, particularly after the investigation shifted from an apparent natural death to a suspected murder and robbery case.
Investigation Continues
The Goa businessman murder investigation remains ongoing as police work to establish the exact circumstances surrounding Sandeep Saliyan’s death.
Authorities are examining forensic evidence, digital records and the accused’s previous activities to determine whether additional individuals were involved and whether similar incidents may have gone unreported.
Investigators have indicated that further arrests or additional charges cannot be ruled out as the probe progresses.
Also Read: Police Claim Failed Plot to Kill Businessman Preceded Lohagad Fort Death
Follow for more updates: www.instagram.com/imnindia.news/
Leave a comment