Goa Court Acquits Father-Son Duo in 2017 Murder Case Citing Investigation Lapses
In a significant ruling, the South Goa additional sessions court has acquitted a father–son duo accused of murder and evidence destruction in a 2017 case from Sanguem. Judge Ram S Prabhu Dessai delivered the verdict, highlighting critical lapses in the police investigation and a complete lack of substantial evidence linking the accused to the crime.
Background of the Case
The case involved Ravidas Shirodkar, aged 70, and his son Jai Shirodkar, aged 39, who were charged with the murder of Ravidas’ brother, Shantaram Shanu Shirodkar. The incident occurred in December 2017 at a cashew plantation located in Quinamol, South Goa.
According to the prosecution, the alleged murder stemmed from a long-standing joint property dispute between the brothers. It was further claimed that the accused attempted to destroy evidence by burning the victim's body after the crime.
Court's Findings on Investigation Failures
In his detailed judgment, Judge Dessai pointed out multiple failures in the investigation that led to the acquittal. The court found that the prosecution could not establish any credible link between the accused and the murder.
Key issues noted by the court include:
- The panchanama (scene of crime report) was conducted by investigating officer PI Rajan Nigalye only in January 2018, nearly 15 days after the incident. This delay severely compromised the integrity of the evidence collection process.
- The panchanama was carried out in an open area, with articles seized from a location easily accessible to the public. The judge stated that this raised serious doubts about the attachment of these items and their evidentiary value in court.
- There was a complete absence of evidence to prove the alleged motive behind the murder. Although the deceased’s wife, Sangeeta Shirodkar, testified about multiple complaints and counter-complaints filed by both parties at the Sanguem police station, the investigating officer failed to rely on any documentary evidence to substantiate this claim.
Criticism of Police Procedures
Judge Dessai strongly criticized the investigation methods employed by the police. He noted that the arrests were made primarily on suspicion based on a complaint, without any concrete proof placing the accused at the crime scene.
The court emphasized that no witnesses were examined to confirm the presence of the accused with the deceased or at the location of the murder. This lack of corroborative testimony further weakened the prosecution's case.
The judgment underscores the importance of thorough and timely investigation in criminal cases to ensure justice is served. Without reliable evidence and proper procedural adherence, the court found it impossible to convict the accused, leading to their acquittal.
