In a gripping case, Sajjad Ahmed Abdul Aziz Mugal, also known as Sajjad Pathan, was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Pallavi Purkayastha, a young lawyer in Mumbai. The court's decision, delivered by Judges A.S. Gadkari and Dr. Neela Gokhale, detailed a chilling series of events that led to this tragic crime.
On the night of August 8, 2012, Pallavi was alone in her apartment as her fiancé, Avik, was working late. The electricity in their flat was acting up, and Pallavi contacted the building's security guard, Sajjad Pathan, for help. Sajjad, who had been making inappropriate advances towards Pallavi, used this opportunity to enter her flat.
The next morning, Avik returned home to find Pallavi in a pool of blood. The police investigation quickly pointed to Sajjad, who had run away from the scene. His arrest led to a series of confessions and evidence that tied him to the crime.
"Sajjad was seen outside Pallavi's flat at 1:30 a.m., lying about being called by her fiancé," the court noted.
The trial was based heavily on indirect evidence. Key points included:
The prosecution, represented by Mr. Manoj Mohite, established a strong motive of sexual assault, which led to Pallavi's murder when she resisted.
Sajjad was initially sentenced to life in prison, with the court specifying that it should last for the rest of his natural life. The prosecution sought a death penalty, citing the brutality of the crime. However, the court maintained the life sentence, emphasizing the convict's previous running away and the need for a strict sentence.
"The interests of justice will be met in sentencing the convict to strict imprisonment for life," the judgment stated.
The court dismissed all appeals and confirmed the sentence, bringing closure to a case that had gripped the nation with its tragic and violent narrative.
