Navi Mumbai News: A 17-year-old boy has been taken into custody by Navi Mumbai police for allegedly killing a 12-year-old girl following a dispute during a reel shoot. The girl was discovered with serious head injuries in a forested area near Shiravane MIDC and was declared dead after being rushed to D Y Patil Hospital.

The girl had been reported missing on Thursday afternoon. Her family lodged a complaint at Turbhe MIDC police station, prompting a search operation. Police later found her injured in an isolated hilly area, which became a major clue in the investigation.

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According to senior inspector Abasaheb Patil, suspicions grew after the boy attempted to return the girl’s mobile phone to her family. A technical examination revealed inconsistencies between the boy’s statements and his location data. When questioned further, he admitted to attacking the girl with a stone.

Investigations revealed that the boy and the victim knew each other and lived in the same Shiravane MIDC locality. They often recorded reels together. On the day of the incident, an argument broke out between them while filming, during which the boy allegedly struck the girl on the head twice with a stone.

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After the assault, he reportedly fled the scene, taking her phone with him. His move to hand over the mobile phone later helped police connect him to the crime. The Turbhe police have charged the boy with murder and presented him before the Juvenile Justice Board for further proceedings.