A CBI court on Wednesday held a person guilty of committing five murders in Dubai almost two decades ago.
Special Judge R M Parmar convicted Ravji Manu Pawar (53) for the killing of one Ramesh Sagar, his mother Muliben, wife Rajori, school-going daughter Jyoti and son Jayesh on January 4, 1992, in Dubai. Pawar used to work as domestic help at Sagar's house in Dubai.
The court, after examining 34 witnesses, including relatives of the deceased, found Pawar guilty. It is likely to pronounce the quantum of punishment tomorrow.
After the incident, relatives of the deceased in Dubai lodged a complaint there, which later forwarded to Indian police.
Pawar was arrested from his native village Dholar in Navsari, Gujarat, on January 8, 1992, and a gold chain, bangles and a camera were recovered from him.
CBI argued that Pawar had raped Jyoti while she was changing her dress after coming from her school. When she threatened to reveal it to the family, he went on a killing spree. In the process, he also raped Jyoti's mother.
Defence lawyer Mehuk Srivastav had contended during the trial that from the post-mortem report, it was evident that Pawar did not rape Jyoti. He also alleged lacunae in the nearly 18-year-long investigation.
After recording of conviction, CBI sought Pawar's imprisonment till death, while advocate Srivastav argued that he has already spent 19 years and seven months in jail.
Even if life imprisonment is awarded to Pawar, he should be set free, Srivastav said.
After taking over the case, CBI officials went to Dubai to record statements of witnesses.
After obtaining post-mortem reports and statements and the 'muddamal' articles from Dubai, CBI filed another chargesheet and added the charges of rape on Rajori and Jyoti.
In 2000, CBI again sought the trial court's permission to take a commission to Dubai to examine and cross-examine witnesses which was rejected. Following this, CBI had approached the Gujarat High Court which stayed the proceedings.
In 2008, the High Court permitted CBI to constitute a commission, take it to Dubai and conduct the probe. However, no commission visited Dubai.
In April 2010, CBI sought more time to resume trial but the High Court refused. Finally, the trial began and arguments by both the parties were completed this year.