Two cousins were arrested in Pune for beating a 20-year-old man to death on August 2 and disposing of his body in a gorge at Phalode village. The Pune Rural police revealed that the crime was a result of a land dispute. The murder came to light during the investigation of a missing person's complaint filed by the victim's father, Nikhil Gholap, on August 7. The suspects, Abhishek Gholap (21) and Jitendra Gholap (31), both from Watkhale village, were charged with murder, criminal conspiracy, and tampering with evidence under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The police discovered Nikhil's body on August 15, which had to be identified by his relatives through photographs and clothing. The investigation began when Nikhil's father reported his son missing on August 1. The suspects, who had regular phone contact with the victim, were located in Junnar. After being taken into custody for questioning, the cousins confessed to the murder.The arrested pair asserted that the victim, Nikhil, had been harassing and mistreating them for several months. Overwhelmed by the ongoing harassment, they allegedly planned to get rid of Nikhil, as stated by Tadvi. He mentioned that Nikhil resided alone in his home in Vatkhale since his parents had relocated to Rajgurunagar for employment. "On the evening of August 1, the duo lured Nikhil from the Junnar bus stop by suggesting a trip to the Bhimashankar temple. Along the way, they bought alcohol for Nikhil," Tadvi revealed. He explained that upon reaching Phalode village in Ambegaon taluka, the suspects coerced Nikhil to drink alcohol. They then led an intoxicated Nikhil near a small hill. When Nikhil realized they were not heading towards Bhimashankar, he began berating them. "The pair proceeded to strike him with a large stone and disposed of his body in a nearby ravine. They also tossed Nikhil's phone into the Kukadi river," Tadvi disclosed.