Custodial Death Verdict: Nine Police Personnel Sentenced to Life Imprisonment in Custodial Death Case

Custodial Death Verdict: A sessions court in Maharashtra has sentenced nine police personnel to life imprisonment in a custodial death case, delivering a landmark verdict nearly 15 years after the incident. The judgment follows a prolonged legal battle fought by the victim’s family in their pursuit of justice.

The case dates back to May 10, 2011, when 23 year old Begya Pawar was taken from his home by police in the early hours for questioning under the jurisdiction of Risod Police Station in Washim district. According to the prosecution, Pawar died while in police custody after allegedly being subjected to severe physical assault.

Following his death, his parents attempted to file a complaint at the same police station, but their complaint was allegedly not accepted. The family, along with members of their community, staged protests and demanded an impartial investigation into the incident.

Medical examinations and the postmortem reportedly revealed multiple fractures and serious injuries on Pawar’s body, strengthening allegations of custodial torture. The investigation was later transferred to the Maharashtra Crime Investigation Department, which concluded that the injuries inflicted during custody led to his death and filed a chargesheet against the officers.

After years of trial, the Washim District Sessions Court found nine police personnel guilty, including the then station in charge Mahadev Manik Dhande. Two of the convicted officers had already retired from service. All nine have now been sent to prison following the verdict.

The victim’s parents expressed deep emotion after the judgment, saying they finally received justice for their son after waiting for more than a decade.