Sessions Court Highlights Major Gaps in Prosecution's Case Leading to Acquittal
A sessions court in Thane, Maharashtra, acquitted two women accused in a murder case from 2017, citing insufficient evidence presented by the prosecution. Additional Sessions Judge A. N. Sirsikar, in his order dated March 4, 2025, acquitted Savita Santosh Jadhav (46) and her mother-in-law, Vatsala Baban Jadhav (67), concluding that the prosecution failed to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt.Details of the Allegations
The prosecution alleged that Savita and Vatsala murdered a woman named Gita Kadam on May 9, 2017. Gita allegedly had a relationship with Savita's husband and had come to stay at their residence. The accused initially claimed that Gita died by suicide.Defence Points Out Critical Inconsistencies
Defence lawyer M. I. Z. G. Shaikh emphasized significant inconsistencies in the prosecution's narrative, arguing there was no direct evidence linking the two women to the crime. Key points included:- Gita’s body was found in a locked bedroom, raising questions about the accused’s involvement.
- The defence argued that the accused had no legal obligation to immediately report the death, which was cited as suspicious by the prosecution.
Court's Observations and Verdict
Judge Sirsikar noted several crucial flaws in the prosecution’s case, particularly around evidence:- Residence Ambiguity: The prosecution could not conclusively prove that the accused and the deceased resided together at the time of death.
- Incomplete Call Data Records: The court remarked that call records were inadequately presented, making it challenging to pinpoint Gita's exact location or the involvement of the accused women.
- Witness Testimony: Statements provided by witnesses, including Gita’s brother, conflicted with other available evidence, weakening the prosecution’s narrative of events.
Judge Sirsikar also addressed the delay in reporting Gita’s death, reasoning that it could be attributed to fear or the absence of male family members. He clarified that this alone was insufficient to substantiate the murder charges.
Ultimately, the court determined that the prosecution failed to establish the accused's intent or opportunity to commit the murder. Consequently, both women were acquitted, underscoring the principle that guilt must be proven beyond reasonable doubt.
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