Belgian police question Mumbai suspects in deaf-mute murder case
Apoorva Agashe | Oct 19, 2025, 04:00 IST
Officials say visit will help them in framing charges against the main accused, who is in custody in Brussels
A three-member team from the Belgian Police investigating the 2024 “deaf and mute murder case” wrapped up its Mumbai visit this week after interrogating key suspects.
The Belgian officials told Mumbai Mirror that the visit would aid them in framing charges against the main accused, Jagpal Preet Kamal Singh, who is currently in custody in Brussels. Singh allegedly orchestrated the killing of Arshad Shaikh, 32, from abroad, directing his Indian accomplices Jay Chawda, 32, and Shivjeet Singh, 34, via video calls.
The case came to light on August 5, 2024, when Government Railway Police intercepted Chawda and Singh carrying a suitcase containing Shaikh’s body near Dadar Railway Station. Investigations revealed that the victim had been bludgeoned to death with a hammer and a broken beer bottle inside a rented flat. Shaikh’s wife, Ruksana, was later arrested for aiding the killers.
The 300-page chargesheet filed by Pydhonie police detailed how Singh, operating from Belgium, allegedly manipulated his deaf and mute friends into committing the murder, driven by jealousy and control over their small community.
Since all the accused are hearing- and speech-impaired, the interrogation posed an unusual challenge for the Belgian team.
“They were not permitted to directly question the accused, but they observed the entire process,” a Mumbai Police official said. “We assisted them in translating sign language and ensured their questionnaire was answered accurately.”
The Belgian officers expressed gratitude, saying, “The Mumbai Police helped us with the sign language. Based on this cooperation, we can now proceed with legal action against Jagpal Preet Singh in Belgium.”
Officials said the Belgian team was particularly interested in understanding Singh’s role in the murder. “They showed us a video in which Jagpal is seen instructing Jay and Shivjeet to attack Shaikh. That clip is their primary evidence,” an officer added.
The Mumbai Police have already recorded the statements of Chawda and Singh at Arthur Road Jail and Ruksana at Byculla Prison. All three have reportedly confessed to their roles in the murder. “Ruksana admitted she was in a relationship with Chawda and wanted to eliminate her husband so they could live together,” an official said.
The Belgian officials told Mumbai Mirror that the visit would aid them in framing charges against the main accused, Jagpal Preet Kamal Singh, who is currently in custody in Brussels. Singh allegedly orchestrated the killing of Arshad Shaikh, 32, from abroad, directing his Indian accomplices Jay Chawda, 32, and Shivjeet Singh, 34, via video calls.
The case came to light on August 5, 2024, when Government Railway Police intercepted Chawda and Singh carrying a suitcase containing Shaikh’s body near Dadar Railway Station. Investigations revealed that the victim had been bludgeoned to death with a hammer and a broken beer bottle inside a rented flat. Shaikh’s wife, Ruksana, was later arrested for aiding the killers.
The 300-page chargesheet filed by Pydhonie police detailed how Singh, operating from Belgium, allegedly manipulated his deaf and mute friends into committing the murder, driven by jealousy and control over their small community.
Since all the accused are hearing- and speech-impaired, the interrogation posed an unusual challenge for the Belgian team.
“They were not permitted to directly question the accused, but they observed the entire process,” a Mumbai Police official said. “We assisted them in translating sign language and ensured their questionnaire was answered accurately.”
The Belgian officers expressed gratitude, saying, “The Mumbai Police helped us with the sign language. Based on this cooperation, we can now proceed with legal action against Jagpal Preet Singh in Belgium.”
Officials said the Belgian team was particularly interested in understanding Singh’s role in the murder. “They showed us a video in which Jagpal is seen instructing Jay and Shivjeet to attack Shaikh. That clip is their primary evidence,” an officer added.
The Mumbai Police have already recorded the statements of Chawda and Singh at Arthur Road Jail and Ruksana at Byculla Prison. All three have reportedly confessed to their roles in the murder. “Ruksana admitted she was in a relationship with Chawda and wanted to eliminate her husband so they could live together,” an official said.