Saraswattee Mootia, affectionately known as "Banita," was a 60-year-old woman who had retired from her job as an industrial worker and started working on her vegetable plantation in Triolet, Mauritius. On September 18, she left her home as usual, around 7:00 am, to tend to her plantation near the Mediclinic. A surveillance camera captured her passing through the area at 7:10 am, which would be one of the last images of her alive. Her family grew concerned when she failed to return by 10:00 am.
Banita's son, Vedishaye, went to the plantation and found his mother in an inert state around 10:20 am. She was taken to the Mediclinic, where her death was confirmed. The autopsy later revealed that she had died from strangulation, ruling out the initial suspicion of a natural death. The police investigation initially focused on Radhakrishna Mooneesawmy, 52, who was arrested on September 20. He allegedly confessed to his involvement, citing a land transaction and a disputed commission as the motive.
However, further investigations revealed that Mooneesawmy was a close friend of Pritam Tany, the brother of Saraswattee Mootia. According to the police, Mooneesawmy claimed to have acted on Pritam's instructions. This led the investigators to suspect a deeper family involvement. They discovered an alleged affair between Pritam and Khoosboo Mootia, the wife of Vedishaye. Banita had reportedly discovered the affair months prior and had confronted both Pritam and Khoosboo.
The family stated that Banita had found Pritam and Khoosboo together and had scolded them. This incident had led to a significant deterioration in relationships. In July, a violent altercation occurred between Banita and Pritam, where he allegedly pushed her against a wall and grabbed her neck. After this incident, Banita asked Pritam not to visit her home anymore, and the family claimed they had little contact with him until the investigation progressed.
The family described Banita as a caring person who considered Khoosboo like her own daughter. Khoosboo would often address Banita as "Ma." However, over time, some tension became noticeable. Banita's children reported that when they mentioned Khoosboo's dependence on their mother, she seemed irritated. On the day of the murder, some family members noticed unusual behavior from Khoosboo.
Pritam Tany and Khoosboo Mootia were arrested on September 24 by the Major Crime Investigation Team. Pritam faces provisional charges of "giving instructions to commit murder," while Khoosboo is charged with "conspiracy." During interrogations, Khoosboo allegedly confessed to asking Pritam to kill her mother-in-law, citing her as an obstacle to their alleged relationship.
The investigation revealed a complex web of family ties and motives. The suspects' roles are being further investigated, and the case has shocked the community in Triolet. The developments in the case have left many questions unanswered, and the police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Saraswattee Mootia's tragic death.
Key points
- The murder investigation revealed an alleged affair between Pritam Tany and Khoosboo Mootia, which may have led to the death of Saraswattee Mootia.
- Pritam Tany and Khoosboo Mootia were arrested and charged in connection with the murder.
- The case highlights the complexities of family relationships and the tragic consequences of disputes and alleged affairs.
