Thane, Maharashtra — May 10: In a significant development, a sessions court in Thane has acquitted a 44-year-old jeweller accused of killing three people, including a 13-month-old infant, by setting them on fire in 2015, citing lack of conclusive witness testimonies and lapses in investigation.
Bahadursingh Vadansingh Parmar, the accused, was facing charges under Sections 302 (murder) and 436 (mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to destroy a house) of the Indian Penal Code. The verdict was delivered by Principal District and Sessions Judge S B Agrawal on Friday.
Allegations and Case Details
According to the prosecution, the incident occurred during the intervening night of December 30 and 31, 2015, at Mira Road (East), where Parmar allegedly set ablaze three individuals—Taniya Bahadur Singh, her 13-month-old son Jaydev Bahadur Singh, and her sister Shukila Babalu Shaikh (18).The prosecution claimed that Parmar had been in an extra-marital relationship with Taniya, who worked as a waitress, and that they were living together along with her sister and their infant son. Allegedly, Parmar wanted to end the relationship, which led to frequent quarrels.
It was further alleged that Parmar purchased petrol, poured it beneath the door of the room where the three victims were sleeping, and set it on fire before fleeing the scene.
Court Observations
However, Judge Agrawal observed that the investigation lacked depth and seriousness, particularly for a case involving a triple homicide through arson."The entire investigation appears to have been conducted in a rather casual manner, despite the grave nature of the alleged crime," the judge remarked.
Key witnesses, including the chairman of the housing society who reportedly saw CCTV footage, and employees of the petrol pump, failed to significantly bolster the prosecution's case. Moreover, the CCTV footage was not properly presented or proven in court, weakening the evidence.
Verdict and Aftermath
Given the insufficient evidence and procedural lapses, the court acquitted Parmar of all charges.This case highlights serious concerns about investigative shortcomings in sensitive and high-stakes criminal matters, especially when critical evidence like CCTV footage is not adequately utilized.
