HC upholds death penalty of man who killed 5 of his family

MUMBAI: The Nagpur bench of the Bombay high court on Wednesday confirmed the death penalty given to a 46-year-old labourer from Nagpur for murdering five members of his family in June 2018 over a land dispute.

Justices Vinay Joshi and MW Chandwani, in their ruling, described the crime as “coldblooded” and “pre-planned,” stating, “The act was extremely barbaric, cruel, and brutal. The accused has killed his own sister, her family, and his own child. The act was heartless, in total disregard for human relationships.”

The bench further emphasised the severity of the crime, noting, “The atrocity of the crime resulted in five deaths, including that of children, squarely makes out a case of exceptional category.”

“Considering the manner of the crime, past and post conduct, the accused is beyond reformation and rehabilitation. The accused would be a menace or threat to society. In our considered view, the case undoubtedly falls in the ‘Rarest of Rare’ category warranting capital punishment”, the bench added.

Prosecutors revealed that Vivek Gulabrao Palatkar, the accused, had previously been convicted of murdering his wife, Savita, in 2014. Although initially sentenced to life imprisonment, the high court overturned his conviction, setting him free.

Upon his release, Palatkar moved into a rented room in Nagpur and maintained contact with his sister, Archana, who was caring for his two children, following their mother’s death.

However, Palatkar harboured resentment towards Archana’s husband, Kamlakar, who had requested that Palatkar transfer his agricultural land to Archana as compensation for the expenses incurred in raising Palatkar’s children and funding his legal fees.

Driven by this grudge, Palatkar planned Kamlakar’s murder.

Days before the incident, he purchased a crowbar, which he took to Archana’s home on 10 June 2018 and concealed outside. Once everyone was asleep, Palatkar killed Kamlakar, his mother, Archana, her minor daughter, and his own son.

According to police, Palatkar’s motive for killing Kamlakar stemmed out of the land dispute and the humiliation he faced.

The other victims were likely killed as they woke up during Kamlakar’s murder.

The bench, highlighting the brutality of the crime, stated, “Medical evidence discloses that the accused had dealt multiple blows by sharp as well as blunt side of the heavy iron crowbar. The inquest panchnama indicates that the crowbar has pierced through the brain of Kamlakar. The attack on Archana’s daughter and his own son was with great force by crowbar penetrating deep into their heads, exposing brain matter. There were repeated blows on the head and face of Archana, causing multiple injuries.”