22-05-2025
Two acquitted in Thane contractor murder case due to lack of evidence and missing body
Thane: A Thane sessions court on Tuesday acquitted two men accused of murdering a building contractor and dumping his body in a creek, citing a lack of conclusive evidence and the absence of the victim's body.
Gaurav Rajesh Singh (27), a driver, and Sachin Sarjerao Patil (25), were accused of killing Rakesh Manik Patil, the biological son of former Shiv Sena corporator Manik Patil, over a family property dispute. The alleged murder took place on Sept 20, 2020, at a bungalow in Vijay Garden, Thane. The case stemmed from tensions after Manik Patil allowed his son Rakesh to occupy the upper floor of his bungalow, asking Sachin, his live-in partner's son, to vacate.
The prosecution claimed that the accused shot Rakesh with a country-made pistol and disposed of his body in Vashi creek. However, the court noted the absence of the body, ballistic confirmation, and credible forensic evidence. CCTV footage lacked proper certification under Section 65B, and testimonies regarding stolen ornaments were inconsistent.
Judge S B Agrawal ruled that in cases based on circumstantial evidence, the prosecution must establish a complete and convincing chain of events.
by Taboola
by Taboola
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In this case, the chain was broken at multiple points—missing body, unclear cause of death, and inconclusive chemical reports.
Due to these gaps, the court concluded that the evidence failed to rule out other possibilities or definitively establish guilt. Both accused, previously released on bail after being in custody since 2020, were acquitted of all charges under IPC Sections 302, 201, and 34, as well as Section 3(25) of the Arms Act.
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