Pune: Leena Devasthali Released After 19 Years in Prison for 2006 Murder of Dr. Deepak Mahajan

Pune, 1st June 2025: Leena Anil Devasthali, convicted in the sensational 2006 murder of Dr. Deepak Mahajan, was released from Yerawada Central Jail after spending 19 years behind bars. Her release was granted under a Maharashtra state government policy that allows early release of women prisoners above the age of 60 who are serving life sentences, on humanitarian grounds.

Dr. Deepak Mahajan, a respected medical practitioner and resident of Prabhat Road, was abducted in July 2006. His kidnappers had demanded a ransom of ₹25 lakh. Days later, he was found murdered—his body dismembered into eight pieces and dumped at Katraj Ghat and near Lonavala. The gruesome killing had shocked Pune, drawing intense media and public attention.

Following a swift investigation, Pune Police identified Leena Devasthali and Deepti Devasthali as the prime accused in the case. A sessions court initially sentenced Leena to death. However, in September 2009, the Bombay High Court commuted her death sentence to life imprisonment, citing lack of conclusive evidence.

Her release was facilitated under a government resolution, which allows consideration for the release of male prisoners above 65 and female prisoners above 60—particularly those who are disabled or infirm. Citing this provision, Devasthali applied for release through the Pune District Legal Services Authority. After a detailed review, her application was approved, leading to her release.

Leena Devasthali’s release marks a formal end to one of Pune’s most chilling murder cases. However, it may also revive public discourse on clemency and early release in cases involving heinous crimes. The case had once gripped the city with its horrific details and dramatic courtroom proceedings, leaving a lasting imprint on Pune’s collective memory.