Ambernath: A dispute over the accounting of festival funds allegedly turned fatal in Ambernath West, where a 29-year-old man was allegedly killed by his close friend following an argument. The accused was apprehended from a moving express train within 12 hours while allegedly attempting to flee to Andhra Pradesh.

The incident took place in the Old Balaji Nagar area, where the local group 'OBN Mitra Mandal' organizes neighbourhood events. According to police, Sandeep Dilip Madhiwal, 29, had sought details of the accounts and balance of funds collected for the Ganesh festival.

Police said, “An argument broke out between Madhiwal and his friend Govind Ramlu Koli, alias Chinna, 30, over the financial records. The dispute reportedly escalated, following which Koli allegedly attacked Madhiwal, causing fatal injuries. Madhiwal died on the spot.”

After the incident, the accused allegedly fled the area and went into hiding. Police teams from Ambernath Police and the Ulhasnagar Crime Branch immediately launched a joint search operation and formed multiple teams to trace him.

Investigators reportedly used technical intelligence, mobile phone tracking and information from confidential sources to establish the accused's movements. Police learned that Koli was allegedly travelling from Mumbai towards Chitagunda in Andhra Pradesh aboard a long-distance express train.

Acting swiftly on the information, police traced the train and apprehended the accused from its general compartment while it was still moving, bringing the 12-hour manhunt to an end.

Further investigation is underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the murder and the events leading to the fatal confrontation.