The Indore Police on Wednesday carried out a detailed reconstruction of the crime scene in the murder of a 24-year-old MBA student, bringing the accused, Piyush Dhamnodia, to the rented Dwarkapuri flat where the crime allegedly took place.
The exercise was conducted under senior supervision to verify the accused’s version of events and match it with material evidence collected so far.
The case, which surfaced after the student’s body was found in the locked flat on February 13, has since expanded into a wider investigation involving digital evidence, allegations of post-crime conduct, and the accused’s movements across states.
Reconstruction carried out under supervision
Police said the accused, currently in custody after being arrested in Mumbai on February 14, demonstrated how the incident unfolded following a dispute between the two.
Dwarkapuri Police Station SHO Manish Mishra told news agency ANI that investigators verified the information provided by the accused during the reconstruction. They have also found a rope, tape, and a blood-stained cloth. A knife used in the attack has also been seized.
Officials said the exercise was meant to corroborate physical evidence with statements recorded during interrogation.
Body recovered after missing complaint
The woman had been reported missing on February 11. Her body was discovered two days later after neighbours alerted police about a foul smell coming from the flat. The property falls within the Dwarkapuri police station limits.
According to investigators, the accused left Indore soon after the incident and was later traced to Mumbai’s Andheri area.
Additional allegations being examined
Police earlier stated that the accused allegedly assaulted the victim’s body after the murder. They also said he travelled to parts of Maharashtra, including Panvel and Nalasopara, where he allegedly attempted ritual practices in connection with the case. Articles such as a scarf, vermillion, and bangles were recovered from his possession, and officials said he had viewed online material related to tantric rituals. He reportedly performed rituals to communicate with the spirit of the woman.
Investigators further alleged that the accused used the victim’s phone after the crime to circulate previously recorded intimate videos in a college group. Police said they are examining digital evidence as part of the probe. It was also stated that his family had opposed the relationship.
The investigation is continuing, with forensic analysis and digital examination underway.