Mumbai Sessions Court Rejects Bail in DFC Bank Vice President Murder Case
A sessions court in Mumbai has firmly rejected the bail application of Sarfaraz Shaheed Shaikh, also known as Raees, who stands accused of the brutal murder of Siddharth Sanghvi, a vice president at HDFC Bank. The tragic incident occurred nearly eight years ago when Sanghvi left his office in Lower Parel and never returned home, sparking a city-wide search and investigation.
Judge Cites Seriousness of Crime and Accused's Conduct
Additional Sessions Judge Anil D Salunkhe delivered the ruling, emphasizing that this was not a fit case to grant bail. The judge highlighted the extreme seriousness of the alleged incident, the calculated mode and manner of the commission of the act, and its devastating consequences for the victim's family and community.
The court specifically noted that the delay in the trial, which the defense had cited as grounds for bail, was largely attributable to the actions of the accused himself. Judge Salunkhe pointed out that Shaikh had filed an application to ascertain his age on the day of the alleged incident, and despite receiving an expert report, he subsequently filed another application, compelling the court to record evidence from witnesses regarding his age-related documents.
"Prima-facie, the record shows the applicant is the person who filed the application for ascertaining his age. The reason for the alleged delay is not only due to the prosecution; the accused is also equally responsible," the judge stated in the order.
Background of the 2018 Murder Case
The case dates back to September 2018, when Siddharth Sanghvi was reported missing after failing to return home from his workplace. The investigation took a grim turn when police discovered his car in Navi Mumbai, which contained blood stains and a sharp-edged knife, pointing to foul play.
Through meticulous technical analysis of call records, authorities identified and arrested Sarfaraz Shaikh. Police allege that Shaikh was found in possession of the deceased's mobile phone and later led investigators to the recovery of Sanghvi's body from a water body near Haji Malang Road. Shaikh has remained in custody since his arrest on September 9, 2018.
Defense Arguments and Prosecution's Response
In his bail plea, Shaikh argued that he had been incarcerated for over seven years and four months without significant progress in the trial, citing fourteen separate judgments from the Bombay High Court where bail was granted due to prolonged detention.
However, the prosecution strongly opposed the bail application, contending that Shaikh was directly responsible for the lack of trial progress. The state asserted its readiness to adduce evidence immediately and secure the presence of witnesses to expedite the proceedings.
The judge concurred with the prosecution, noting that the legal precedents cited by the defense were not applicable in this specific case due to the accused's conduct. "This is not a fit case to exercise discretion in favour of the applicant for grant of bail," Judge Salunkhe concluded, underscoring the court's commitment to ensuring justice in this high-profile murder case.
The plea to determine Shaikh's age remains pending, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing legal proceedings. The case continues to draw significant public and media attention as it moves forward in the Mumbai judicial system.
