Summary: In a major decision, three men from Nagpur were sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Rakesh Ramteke in 2015. The court based the conviction on eyewitness accounts and scientific evidence.
On the night of September 29, 2015, a heated argument turned deadly in Nagpur. Rakesh Ramteke was attacked outside his home by three men: Vishwas Dahiwale, Kamlesh Patil, and Suraj Manwatkar. Witnesses reported hearing shouts and seeing the three men hit Ramteke with wooden logs and stumps.
After the incident, police quickly took action. They collected evidence from the scene, including blood-stained soil and the weapons used. Vishwas Dahiwale, Kamlesh Patil, and Suraj Manwatkar were arrested soon after, and their blood-stained clothes were taken for scientific testing.
During the trial, ten witnesses, including Ramteke's family and neighbors, shared what they saw. Vaishali and Priyanka Ramteke, the wife and daughter of the victim, gave important eyewitness testimonies. Despite some minor differences in their statements, the court found them believable.
Scientific analysis was crucial in proving the case. Blood on the clothes of Vishwas Dahiwale, Kamlesh Patil, and Suraj Manwatkar matched the victim's, supporting the eyewitness accounts. Even though there were delays in the scientific processing, the evidence was considered trustworthy.
The defense pointed out inconsistencies in witness statements and delays in procedures. However, the court, led by Judges Urmila Joshi-Phalke and Nandesh S. Deshpande, rejected these arguments, pointing to the strong evidence against the three men.
The court's decision on December 1, 2025, confirmed the life sentences, stressing the importance of both direct and indirect evidence in achieving justice. The appeal was denied, with the judges finding no valid reasons in the defense's arguments. The court concluded that Vishwas Dahiwale, Kamlesh Patil, and Suraj Manwatkar acted together during the attack.
