Panaji Court Denies Bail to Driver in Brutal Rent-a-Car Murder Case
A local court in Panaji has dismissed the bail application of 23-year-old Omkar Gawde, who is implicated in the alleged murder of Kapil Chaudhary. The case involves a rent-a-car agency owner and others, with the court citing substantial evidence against Gawde.
Details of the Alleged Crime
According to court proceedings, the incident unfolded when Chaudhary, who had rented an SUV, crossed the border. This prompted the accused, including Gawde, to chase the vehicle. They allegedly beat Chaudhary to death before abandoning the scene. Public prosecutor Coleman Rodrigues presented a grim account, stating that the assault was meticulously planned by Gurudat Lawande, Gawde, and their associates.
The victim was assaulted mercilessly until he succumbed to multiple injuries, with the cause of death attributed to head injuries, specifically subdural and subarachnoid haemorrhage. The post-mortem report highlighted that these injuries, along with multiple external wounds all over the body, were ante-mortem, fresh, and fatal due to blunt-force impacts consistent with a violent assault.
Gawde's Defense and Court's Ruling
Gawde, who claimed to work solely as a driver for Gurudat Lawande, delivering and collecting rental vehicles, argued through his advocate Vinayak Porob that his call detail report (CDR) location should not be grounds for bail rejection. However, the court countered this by noting that his arrest was based not just on the CDR, but also on a photograph clearly showing him with the deceased.
The court emphasized that Gawde's presence at the crime scene in Tivim was documented from 18.21 hours to 21.14 hours on the same date, contradicting his claims of limited involvement. At this investigation stage, the court refrained from evaluating evidence but found prima facie evidence against him, with no proof to suggest the case was false.
Broader Implications
This case sheds light on the severe consequences of vigilante actions in rental disputes, raising concerns about safety and legal accountability in such businesses. The court's decision underscores the importance of thorough investigations in violent crimes, ensuring justice for victims like Chaudhary.
