Bombay HC sets aside death penalty of key accused for murder of Pune family in 1997, orders his release

The high court also set aside the finding of his conviction and death sentence through the December 14, 2021, judgement of the Pune court. “The appellant Bhagwat Kale is entitled to be set at liberty forthwith,” the bench noted.

In its judgement, the Pune court observed, “The conscience of society and even humanhood is shocked by such a brutal and barbaric act. There is a need to give a deterrent message. The society also expects the same. The accused, committing such a barbaric act is a menace to the harmony of society. Accordingly, the accused deserves to be awarded with the capital sentence”.

On May 15, 1997, Ramesh Jaykumar Patil, 55, Vijaya Kumari alias Vijaya Patil, 47, Pooja Patil, 13, and Manjunath Patil, 10, were murdered at their residence. The Patils, who were from Karnataka’s Hubli, lived in a rented apartment where Kale’s wife Geeta worked as a domestic help.

As per the prosecution, Kale, Geeta, and their relative Sahebrao killed the family and fled with cash and silver ornaments worth nearly Rs 49 lakh. They were arrested in September 1997. However, Kale and Sahebrao escaped police custody while being taken to the court. Sahebrao was rearrested in 2001.

Geeta was sentenced to life imprisonment and Sahebrao was awarded the death penalty by the Pune Court, prompting them to approach the Bombay High Court, claiming they were minors when they committed the crime. The High Court ordered their release in the case.

Following Kale’s rearrest in 2009, a trial was conducted against him and he was convicted by the Pune court in 2021. He approached the Bombay High Court in 2023.