The Additional Sessions Court in South Goa has delivered a life imprisonment verdict to two men for the brutal murder of businessman Minguel Miranda and his mother-in-law, Catarina Pinto, in Fatorda. The court found the evidence against the accused, who were the victim's employees, to be conclusive and damning.
Court Delivers Life Sentence Based on Circumstantial Evidence
Additional Sessions Judge Pooja C. Kavlekar pronounced life imprisonment for Rabinkumar, alias Ravi Sada, a resident of Bihar, and Akash Ghosh from Jharkhand. The court firmly stated that the prosecution successfully established a complete chain of circumstantial evidence. This evidence included a history of frequent disputes between Miranda and the accused, which played a key role in proving their guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Apart from murder, the duo was also convicted for the charges of criminal trespass and robbery. The court imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 each on the convicts, which is to be paid as compensation to the children of the deceased. Failure to pay this fine will result in an additional three months of simple imprisonment for each.
Gruesome Crime and Swift Police Investigation
Sada and Ghosh were employed as workers by Minguel Miranda and lived in the servant quarters next to his house. According to the prosecution's case, the two men, along with a third accused who was a minor at the time, forcibly entered Miranda's residence in Fatorda. They launched a violent attack, resulting in the deaths of both Miranda and Catarina Pinto.
After committing the murders, the trio fled the scene, stealing several valuable items. The loot included cash, a wallet, a gold chain, a scooter, and Miranda's mobile phone. They attempted to escape to Mumbai, but the police investigation was swift and effective.
Accused Tracked to Mumbai, Minor Faces Separate Trial
Using crucial CCTV footage and tracking the stolen possessions, the police located and arrested all three accused at Shivaji Park in Mumbai. The stolen items were recovered from their possession, strengthening the case against them.
The third accused, who was a minor during the commission of the crime, is facing a separate trial. His case is being heard before the Juvenile Justice Board, following the legal procedures applicable to minors. The sentencing of Sada and Ghosh brings a measure of judicial closure to a heinous crime that shocked the local community in Goa.
