Court Elaborates on Fatal Altercation Leading to Jhanvi Kukreja's Death in Mumbai
In a detailed judgment, a Mumbai sessions court has convicted 26-year-old Shree Jogdhankar for the murder of 19-year-old Jhanvi Kukreja during a New Year's Eve party in a Khar housing society in 2021. The court highlighted that evidence indicates both the victim and accused assaulted each other, with Jogdhankar ultimately pushing Kukreja from the second floor, causing fatal injuries.
Relationship Dynamics and Party Altercation
The court noted that Kukreja and Jogdhankar were in a relationship, and she was distressed by his flirtatious behavior towards co-accused Diya Padalkar at the party. This led Kukreja to call a friend, expressing her discomfort but reluctance to lose the relationship. Subsequently, she moved towards the staircase, followed by Jogdhankar and Padalkar.
An altercation ensued, escalating into a violent fight. Medical evidence and the crime scene suggest Kukreja was pushed or thrown from the staircase, resulting in fatal head injuries. The court inferred that during the fight, Jogdhankar furiously assaulted her, pulled her hair, and pushed her, forming an intention to kill.
Unexplained Injuries and Lack of Evidence
Jogdhankar's medical report revealed 12 injuries, including rib fractures and abrasions on his back. The court emphasized that he failed to explain these injuries, which were within his exclusive knowledge. This lack of explanation led the court to conclude the injuries were sustained during the scuffle with Kukreja.
No eyewitnesses or CCTV footage captured the exact spot on the staircase from the eighth to ground floor where Kukreja's body was found after 2 a.m. by a building resident.
Acquittal of Co-Accused Diya Padalkar
The court acquitted 23-year-old Diya Padalkar, granting her the benefit of doubt. While the prosecution claimed common intention to cause death, no proof was found. A lip injury on Padalkar was noted, but the court stated it might have resulted from a minor altercation without active participation in the assault.
Padalkar's clothes were not blood-stained or torn, and she sustained no other injuries, making her involvement doubtful. The court suggested she may not have disclosed the incident due to fear, stating, "A girl witnessing such a horrible incident may react differently. Due to fear, she might not have disclosed the happenings to others."
Sentencing and Aftermath
Jogdhankar, who was 21 at the time of the incident and has been in custody since 2021, was sentenced to life imprisonment on Saturday. Kukreja's mother, Nidhi, has announced plans to appeal against Padalkar's acquittal.
The 81-page judgment by Additional Sessions Judge S R Navander, made available on Tuesday, underscores the complexities of the case, balancing evidence of assault with considerations of doubt and fear in legal proceedings.
