The Bombay High Court has delivered a significant ruling in the highly sensitive 2020 Palghar lynching case, rejecting the bail applications of four accused individuals. The court found sufficient prima facie evidence to implicate them in the brutal attack that claimed three lives.
Court's Rationale for Denying Bail
A single-judge bench presided over by Justice Neela K Gokhale passed the order on Tuesday, December 23, 2025. The four applicants – Rajesh Dhakal Rao, Sunil Shantaram Dalvi, Sajanua Barkya Urkud, and Vinod Ramu Rao – had sought bail citing grounds of long incarceration and parity with other accused who had been granted bail.
However, Justice Gokhale firmly rejected these arguments. The court observed that while the applicants have been in jail for nearly five years, the material against them was substantial. "The material in the chargesheet is sufficient to demonstrate overt acts," the bench noted, highlighting that the role attributed to each accused differed, making the plea for parity invalid.
CCTV Footage and Prosecution's Stance
The prosecution strongly opposed the bail pleas, presenting damning evidence from CCTV footage. The footage allegedly showed the four men actively participating in the violent mob attack. It was specifically argued that one of the applicants, Rajesh Dhakal Rao, was seen raising an axe and striking the victims.
The prosecution stated that the footage captured the accused not only assaulting the three victims but also attacking the policemen who attempted a rescue operation. This visual evidence played a crucial role in the court's assessment of the prima facie case.
Balancing Liberty and Societal Interest
In its detailed order, the High Court acknowledged the fundamental value of personal liberty. Justice Gokhale observed, "There was no denying the fact that the liberty of an individual is precious and is to be zealously protected by the courts."
However, the judgment emphasized that this protection is not absolute. The court must balance the right of the accused with the collective interest of society. "In a given situation, the collective interest of the community may outweigh the right of personal liberty of the individual concerned," Justice Gokhale stated, explaining the rationale behind denying bail in this grave matter.
Direction to CBI and Future Options
Recognizing the prolonged incarceration and the recent transfer of the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the court issued a clear directive. It ordered the CBI to conclude its probe expeditiously and file an appropriate report before the trial court.
The High Court provided a pathway for the accused, stating that they were at liberty to renew their bail applications once the CBI investigation is complete. This places the onus on the central agency to speed up its process to ensure a timely trial.
The tragic incident dates back to April 14, 2020, when a mob in Gadchinchale village, Palghar, located about 140 km north of Mumbai, lynched two sadhus – Chikne Maharaj Kalpavrukshagiri (70) and Sushilgiri Maharaj (35) – and their driver Nilesh Telgade (30). The attack was fueled by rampant rumors about child-lifters operating in the area during the stringent COVID-19 lockdown.
