Bail Granted to Accused in 2016 Santacruz Double-Murder Case

Strategic Insights -

A special court in Mumbai has granted bail to Sachin Sitaram Pawar, a 43-year-old man accused in the 2016 Santacruz double-murder case, citing the lack of progress in the trial and parity with co-accused who had already been released on similar grounds. The court noted that Pawar had spent over nine years in custody, with only 15 out of 129 witnesses examined so far, none of whom identified him. The bail was granted with conditions, including a personal bond of Rs.1 lakh, a solvent surety, and restrictions on Pawar's movements and interactions.

Key Takeaways:

  • Sachin Sitaram Pawar, a 43-year-old man, was granted bail in the 2016 Santacruz double-murder case.
  • The court cited the lack of progress in the trial, which has been ongoing for over nine years, and parity with co-accused who had already been released on similar grounds.
  • The bail was granted with conditions, including a personal bond of Rs.1 lakh, a solvent surety, and restrictions on Pawar's movements and interactions.
  • Pawar faces charges under sections 302 (murder), 307 (attempt to murder), 120B (criminal conspiracy), and other provisions of the Indian Penal Code, the Arms Act, and MCOCA.
  • The court referred to the Bombay High Court's December 2024 bail order for co-accused Zulfikar alias Zulfi Yasin Behlim, which highlighted the "remote possibility of the trial being completed within a reasonable period".
  • The trial has seen only 15 out of 129 witnesses examined so far, none of whom identified Pawar.

Statistics:

  • The trial has been ongoing for over 9 years.
  • Only 15 out of 129 witnesses have been examined so far.
  • Bail was granted with a personal bond of Rs.1 lakh and a solvent surety.
  • The case involves charges under sections 302, 307, 120B, and other provisions of the Indian Penal Code, the Arms Act, and MCOCA.

Sources:

  • "MCOCA court grants bail to accused in Santacruz double-murder case". Hindustan Times.