Nagpur: The serene ambiance of Surana layout in Raj Nagar was shattered on Saturday as Vinay Poonekar, a 54-year-old avid wildlife photographer, was discovered dead in his office-cum-residence.
The tranquility was replaced by chaos and intrigue as investigators delved into the circumstances surrounding his demise.
According to police sources, Poonekar’s personal life added layers of complexity to the investigation. Estranged from his wife, he resided alone in his ancestral home, occasionally visited by his son. His residence also served as a hub for aspiring models, who frequented the premises for video and photo shoots. The discovery of numerous condom packets, explicit content stored on electronic devices, and suggestive communications implicated several individuals as potential suspects.
Poonekar met a grim fate, his life cut short by two bullets fired at point-blank range from a 9mm firearm. The evidence suggests a struggle ensued before the fatal shots were fired, occurring within a span of just four minutes, between 12:42 pm and 12:46 pm, according to police reports.
Despite the discovery of only one spent cartridge at the scene, forensic findings revealed two bullets had been discharged, with one lodged in his abdomen and the other piercing his neck. Traces of scalded skin around the neck area indicate that the assailant pressed the gun against Poonekar before pulling the trigger, leaving behind a chilling testament to the brutality of the crime.
The scene of the crime bore further testimony to the violence that unfolded, with scattered hair strands suggesting a physical altercation before Poonekar succumbed, clad in half trousers. While Poonekar sustained himself through wedding photography and modeling portfolios, his true passion lay in wildlife photography, a pursuit he actively contributed to publications.
Surveillance footage capturing a bearded individual near Poonekar’s residence during the estimated time of the murder has intensified police efforts, as the unidentified figure traversed a considerable distance before disappearing into the night. As the investigation progresses, the tragic demise of Vinay Poonekar continues to grip the community, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and unsettling conjectures.
