Summary: In a dramatic case from Yavatmal, Maharashtra, Gajanan Gawrane was sentenced to life in prison for murder. His brothers, Sanjay and Mahesh, received lighter sentences for fighting. The incident started from a family argument over a missing wallet.
On June 27, 2016, a heated argument in Mungsaji Nagar, Lohara, Yavatmal, escalated when Mahesh accused Subhash Gawrane of stealing his wallet. The quarrel got worse, and by 4 p.m., Gajanan, Sanjay, and Mahesh were involved in a fight with Subhash and his father, Ashok.
According to the court documents, Gajanan left the scene, came back with a knife, and attacked Ashok and Subhash. In a horrifying turn, Gajanan chased and fatally stabbed Durga, Subhash's mother, in the neck when she tried to intervene using chili powder.
"Gajanan chased her and gave a blow of knife on her neck, therefore she fell down and died on the spot."
The police arrived quickly, taking the injured to the hospital. Sunita, Ashok's daughter, reported the crime, which led to Gajanan's arrest. The police found the knife and clothes stained with blood as evidence.
The trial, overseen by Judges Urmila Joshi Phalke and Nandesh S. Deshpande, concluded on December 5, 2025. Gajanan was found guilty of murder and sentenced to life in prison. His brothers were initially charged with attempted murder but later found guilty of a lesser charge for assault.
Doctors confirmed the injuries were consistent with a knife attack. The forensic team supported this with bloodstains found on the accused's clothing.
Gajanan's appeal was dismissed. Sanjay and Mahesh's sentences were reduced to one year in prison, considering they didn't intend to kill anyone.
The case shows the tragic results of family fights and how quickly justice can be served in Maharashtra. The court's decision reflects how serious the crime was and how important evidence is in proving someone guilty.
