Trial of murder case shifted, as accused husband goes scotfree

The principal sessions judge today transferred the trial of a murder case, in which a man is accused of commissioning his wife's murder, to the sessions court in South Mumbai.

The investigating officer in the case had applied for transfer of case from Sewri sessions court, after the accused husband and another person were discharged from the case.

Sewri fast track court last month discharged Jitin Dedhia, accused of hiring assailants to kill his wife Beena, for lack of evidence. Court also discharged Rupal Chheda, a relative.

Police then sought transfer of case, on the ground that additional sessions judge N P Dalvi had passed discharge order even when there was no application for such a relief by the accused.

Beena was stabbed to death on October 27, 2009 by two men on motor bike, while she was on a morning walk with her husband, Jatin at Kalachowkie in central Mumbai.

According to police, Jatin had hired them, as he was having an extra marital affair with Rupal and wanted to be rid of Beena.

The crime branch arrested Nazim, Jatin, Rupal, Hasruddin Malik alias Azhar Khan and Rajnikant Wagh alias Chottu in connection with the murder.

Prosecution has also filed appeal in the Bombay high court against the discharge.