The macabre killings took place in the early hours of Sunday in Kasarwadvali area of neighbouring Thane city.
"Until we record the statement of the lone survivor Subiya Barmar (one of Hasnain's sisters) we cannot say anything about his motive," said the joint commissioner of police Ashutosh Dumbre at a press conference in Thane today.
According to the neighbours, he said, Hasnain and his family enjoyed a good reputation, and nobody thought he "would even harm an ant".
As to property dispute being a possible trigger, Dumbre said police hadn't yet come across any evidence of the family owning huge assets, but the probe was on.
In July 2012, the accused, his wife and their elder daughter were admitted in Thane's Titan hospital for food poisoning after taking medicines given by some 'hakim', Dumbre said, adding the police would check the record related to this incident too.
Police learnt from the neighbours that Hasnain used to kill goats for the ritual 'kurbani' (sacrifice), and therefore knew how to use butcher's knife, the weapon used in the macabre crime.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
