Washim Custodial Death: 9 Policemen Sentenced To Life Imprisonment After 15 Years

In a landmark judgment that has sent ripples through the law enforcement community, the Washim District and Sessions Court in Maharashtra has delivered justice in a high-profile custodial death case, while after a long and arduous legal battle spanning nearly 15 years, the court has sentenced nine policemen, including the then Station House Officer (SHO), to life imprisonment. This historic verdict pertains to the death of Begya Pawar, who died while in the custody of the Risod Police Station in 2011.

The Incident at Risod Police Station

The roots of this case trace back to May 10, 2011. Begya Pawar was brought to the Risod Police Station for questioning in connection with a theft case, while according to the prosecution, during the interrogation, the police personnel subjected Pawar to brutal physical assault. The severity of the injuries sustained during this custodial torture led to his untimely death, while the incident sparked widespread outrage and led to intense demands for an impartial investigation into the conduct of the police officers involved. The case became a symbol of the fight against police brutality in the region.

CID Investigation and Serious Charges

Given the gravity of the allegations, the investigation was subsequently handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). After a meticulous investigation lasting approximately 34 days, the CID uncovered evidence of extreme negligence and violence. Consequently, a case was registered against the then Station House Officer Mahadev Manik Dhande and other involved police personnel, while the charges included murder under the Indian Penal Code and various sections of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The CID's findings were crucial in building a strong case against the accused officers.

The Court Verdict

Judge Jaisingh Zhapate of the Washim District and Sessions Court presided over the trial. After hearing extensive arguments from both the defense and the prosecution and examining the evidence presented, the court found the accused guilty. The judge sentenced the then SHO Mahadev Manik Dhande and eight other policemen to life imprisonment. Following the announcement of the verdict, the convicted officer and the eight other policemen were taken into custody under heavy security and sent to jail. The atmosphere at the court premises was emotional, with family members of the convicted policemen seen weeping as they were being transported to prison.

A Father's Testimony and Justice Served

The family of the deceased Begya Pawar expressed their profound satisfaction with the court's decision, while naynu Faislya Pawar, the father of Begya Pawar, recounted the harrowing night of the incident. He stated that on the night of the arrest, the family was sleeping when the police arrived at their home around 3:30 AM. Begya had returned home at approximately 12 AM after going to the fields at 7 PM the previous evening. While Begya and his wife were sleeping inside, the rest of the family was in the courtyard.

Naynu Faislya Pawar further described how the police entered the house and began assaulting his son and daughter-in-law. When he questioned the reason for the beating, the police claimed they needed to conduct an investigation. " They then took Begya away. By 6 AM the following morning, the family received the devastating news that Begya had died due to the police beating. "After 15 years, we've finally received justice today. We're very happy with the court's decision," the father remarked, marking the end of a decade-and-a-half long wait for accountability.