The Additional Sessions Judge, Malegaon (Maharashtra) has sentenced Rajendra @ Raju Devidas Shirsath, Macchindra Piraji Suradkar @ Kachru and Ajay Magan Sonawane to undergo life imprisonment in a case related to murder of Yashwant Sonawane, then Additional Collector, Malegaon.
CBI had registered a case on 08.04.2011 on the request of Maharashtra Government & further notification from Government of India on 08.04.2011 and took over the investigation of the case earlier registered at Police Station Manmad, District Nashik (Maharashtra) against 12 accused.
It was alleged that Popat Dattu Shinde was running a Dhaba at Jondhalwadi Shivalaya, Taluka Nandgaon, District Nashik on Manmad – Nandgaon Road. The said Dhaba served as the local point for pilferage, storage and illegal sale of petroleum products wherein the oil tankers clandestinely offloaded part of petroleum products, which were stored in cans/barrels etc. and later were sold. These products were meant for Public Distribution System.
It was further alleged that Yashwant Sonawane, Additional Collector, Malegaon (Maharashtra) was on his way to Nandgaon via Manmad along with his Steno-cum-PA and Driver.
At Jondhalwadi area, Shri Yashwant Sonawane detected the clandestine pilferage and storage of petroleum products at the said Dhaba being carried out by Popat Dattu Shinde and others.
The Additional Collector called upon the Supply Inspector to prepare panchnama.
In the meantime, the said accused arrived at the spot & formed an assembly along with other co-accused. He ruthlessly slapped and beat Yashwant Sonawane by Iron rod / nail and thereafter burnt him alive by pouring kerosene on his whole body.
Yashwant Sonawane, then Additional Collector, Malegaon died on the spot. Popat Dattu Shinde had also suffered burn injuries while setting on fire Yashwant Sonawane on 25.01.2011. He died on 30.11.2011.
After investigation, chargesheet was filed on 10.11.2011 before the Additional Sessions Judge, Malegaon, District Nashik against Rajendra @ Raju Devidas Shirsath, Macchindra Piraji Suradkar @ Kachru and Ajay Magan Sonawane.
As one accused was juvenile, his matter was separately filed before Juvenile Justice Board, Nashik.
The trial court found three accused guilty and convicted them.
