Quick Summary: Shafiq Ali Haider's request to be released from jail while waiting for his trial was denied by the Bombay High Court. He's accused of a brutal murder involving the beheading and cutting up of Mohd. Aslam Harshad, with the body parts found in several bags.
On June 28, 2023, a report was filed by Mukramali Hashmad Kasar when his brother, Mohd. Aslam Harshad, did not reach his destination. Investigations showed that Harshad was last seen with Shafiq Ali Haider, who reportedly admitted to the murder over a money dispute.
The police presented evidence that Haider killed Harshad with a fish-cutting knife after a fight over a debt of Rs. 57,000. The body was cut up and thrown away in twelve bags. Haider was arrested on July 15, 2023, after the body parts were found.
"The nature of the act attributed to the applicant shows extreme brutality."
The police's case is mainly based on indirect evidence: - CCTV Footage: Shows Haider with the victim and later carrying a bag. - Witness Statement: Rohit Kumar, a witness, was tricked by Haider into getting rid of a "dead goat," which turned out to be Harshad's body. - Finding of Body Parts: Led by Haider's own admission, strengthening the case against him.
Haider's lawyer argued that the case is based on indirect evidence, questioning the trustworthiness of the CCTV footage and the lack of blood stains. They also claimed the police already knew where the body was.
Judge Amit Borkar pointed out the seriousness of the crime and the strong evidence linking Haider to the murder. The court emphasized the cruelty of the act and the planned effort to destroy evidence.
"The seriousness of the charge, the nature of the evidence, and the way the crime is alleged to have been committed leave little room for granting bail."
The court denied Haider's request for bail, citing the seriousness of the crime and the possibility that Haider might tamper with evidence or influence witnesses.
