In a significant ruling, the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court has upheld the conviction and life imprisonment of accused, a 31-year-old labourer from Bargaon in Amravati, for the brutal murder of his father and two others. Justices Urmila Joshi-Phalke and Nandesh S. Deshpande, dismissed accused’s appeal against the May 16, 2019 verdict of the Additional Sessions Judge, Amravati, finding no merit in his defense.
The prosecution proved that on January 23, 2015, the accused shot his father, and fatally stabbed his paramour and her brother, following a heated quarrel. The case stemmed from accused’s long-standing illicit relationship which had caused frequent family disputes.
Rejecting the defense arguments about poor visibility and alleged witness unreliability, the bench observed that identification was possible as the parties knew each other well. The Court also ruled that minor inconsistencies or the absence of independent witnesses did not weaken the prosecution’s otherwise robust case.
“The possibility of anyone else being responsible for the deaths is ruled out,” the Court concluded, affirming the life sentence and fines imposed under Section 302 of the IPC. The appeal was dismissed, confirming that the conviction was based on direct, medical, and forensic corroboration establishing accused’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Appearances:
Shri Amol Hunge, Counsel Appointed for the Appellant.
Mrs.Shamsi Haider, Additional Public Prosecutor for the State.