TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
MARGAO: The Dipali Jotkar murder case allegedly involving Mahanand Naik has ended in an acquittal.
The South Goa Principal Sessions Judge, Nutan Sardesai on Friday acquitted Mahanand Naik and goldsmith from Ponda, Ulhas Rivonkar for the murder of Dipali Jotkar on benefit of doubt. Commenting on his acquittal, Mahanand maintained that he has been falsely implicated in the murder cases.
In this case, he was charged under section 364, 302 and 394 of IPC, while goldsmith Rivonkar was named a second accused in the case for allegedly receiving the stolen gold.
Public Prosecutor TS Sardinha appeared on behalf of State while advocate J Antao appeared on behalf of Mahanand while advocate Prasad Naik represented Rivonkar.
It was case of prosecution that Mahanand kidnapped 22 years old Jotkar from her residence at Rumdamol, Davorlim, in November 2008. He took her to Fatorpa and robbed her gold ornaments after killing her.
The court examined in all 19 witnesses including Investigating Officer PI Shiddant Shirodkar and Reshma Jotkar, mother of deceased who gave description of jewellery Dipali was wearing when Mahanand lured her away on the pretext of marriage.
During arguments, PP Sardinha had submitted to the court that the body of the deceased was identified on the bases of the clothes and footwear on her body. Sardinha had also submitted that the DNA text of femur bone of the deceased, supported identification of Jotkar’s body as it stated that the body was “a female biological off spring” of Reshma and Dattaram Jotkar.
However, defence lawyer, Adv Joe Antao said the prosecution had failed to prove that the body found at Fatorpa was that of deceased Dipali Jotkar.
The court examined in all 19 witnesses including PI Shiddant Shirodkar and Reshma Jotkar, mother of deceased who gave description of jewellery Dipali was wearing
Mahanand lured her away on the pretext of marriage
