HC acquits man serving life in rape and murder case

After spending almost two years in prison, a 52-year-old man, sentenced to life imprisonment for raping and murdering a mentally disabled woman in 2010, was acquitted by the Bombay High Court

After spending almost two years in prison, a 52-year-old man, sentenced to life imprisonment for raping and murdering a mentally disabled woman in 2010, was acquitted by the Bombay High Court.

An appeal filed by the accused Ashok Nirbhawane challenged the May 2012 judgement of a Sessions court in Nashik, convicting him and sentencing him to life imprisonment in the case. According to the prosecution, on December 26, 2010 the body of the victim was found by her brother Sanjay at their house in Chandwad.

Sanjay informed the police that he had previously seen the accused trying to force himself on his sister at their house. Based on his statement, the police arrested Nirbhawane. However, the High Court observed that the prosecution has not been able to prove its case. The bench quashed his life sentence and ordered for him to be released forthwith.

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