Mangaluru Sessions Court Finds Man Guilty in 2020 Double Murder Case
A district and sessions court in Mangaluru delivered a guilty verdict in a tragic double murder case. The II additional district and sessions judge, Jagadeesh VN, convicted Alphons Saldanha, a 52-year-old resident of Elinje village in Dakshina Kannada.
Details of the Crime and Conviction
The court found Saldanha guilty of murdering his neighbours, Vincy alias Vincent D'Souza, 49, and his wife Helen, 43. Public prosecutor Judith OM Crasta confirmed the conviction. The court will now hear arguments on the quantum of punishment this Wednesday.
The fatal incident occurred on April 29, 2020, around 10 am. It stemmed from frequent quarrels between Saldanha and Vincent over trivial issues. A key dispute involved tree branches allegedly falling from Saldanha's property onto Vincent's land.
On that day, Alphons Saldanha called Vincent to his house. An argument quickly erupted. Saldanha reportedly refused to remove the tree branches and challenged Vincent. He threatened Vincent with a shovel. When Vincent tried to restrain him, the shovel fell to the ground.
In a sudden fit of rage, Saldanha rushed into his kitchen. He grabbed a knife and stabbed Vincent repeatedly. Witnesses reported he used foul language during the attack. Helen, Vincent's wife, saw the assault and rushed to protect her husband. Tragically, Saldanha turned the knife on her as well.
Vincent died at the scene. Helen succumbed to her severe injuries while being transported to the hospital. The brutal attack left the couple's children orphaned. They were minors at the time of the incident.
Police Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Mulki Police Station Inspector Sheethal Alagoor registered the case immediately. The charges included sections 341, 504, 506, and 302 of the Indian Penal Code. Investigators seized material objects from the crime scene. These items underwent forensic examination.
Dr. Kasturi Odeyar submitted the postmortem and forensic reports. Police inspector Jayaram D Gowda filed the chargesheet. The case first went before the I additional district and sessions judge, Mallikharjun Swami HS. During these initial hearings, the court examined 24 witnesses. It also marked 46 documents as evidence.
Later, the case transferred to the II additional district and sessions court. Judge Jagadeesh VN presided over the final trial. Public prosecutor Judith OM Crasta represented the state throughout the proceedings. Police constable Kavya provided assistance during the trial.
Delays and Final Arguments
The trial faced a significant delay. The defence filed an application claiming Alphons Saldanha was mentally unsound. However, the court examined this plea and ultimately rejected it. This allowed the trial to proceed to its conclusion.
Public prosecutor Judith OM Crasta emphasized the gravity of the crime. She urged the court to award the highest possible compensation to the orphaned children. The prosecution highlighted the profound loss suffered by the young victims.
The court's conviction marks a crucial step toward justice for Vincent and Helen D'Souza. The community now awaits the sentencing decision scheduled for Wednesday.
