Pune: Life Sentence for Man Who Murdered Colleague Over Work-Related Comment in Jejuri
Pune, 24th December 2024: The court sentenced the man who murdered his colleague for saying, “Can’t do any work, only has attitude,” to life imprisonment, along with a fine of Rs. 5,000. If the fine is not paid, he will face an additional six months of imprisonment. Sessions Judge D. P. Ragit of the District and Sessions Court, Pune, delivered this verdict in the case that occurred in Jejuri, Pune District, in 2018.
The accused, Rakesh Avinash Gaikwad (23), a resident of Jejuri, originally from Ahilyanagar, murdered Avinash Rambhaji Mahankale (40), a resident of Ahilyanagar, on 14th February 2018, around 10:30 PM. The complaint in this case was filed by Yohan Torne (24), also a resident of Ahilyanagar. Public Prosecutor Leena Pathak represented the government party and examined nine witnesses. Medical evidence, along with the testimony of the complainant, proved to be crucial in the case. Annasaheb Jadhav and R. V. Malegave were the investigating officers.
On the day of the incident, Avinash, the complainant, and other colleagues were having lunch together. At that time, Avinash remarked on Rakesh’s work, saying he “can’t work and has attitude for no reason.” When Rakesh arrived, he confronted Avinash about the comment, leading to a fight between them. In a fit of anger, Rakesh grabbed an onion-cutting knife and slashed Avinash’s throat. The colleagues managed to intervene, brought Rakesh out of the room, and threw the knife away. However, Rakesh threatened to kill Avinash before leaving. The colleagues reported the incident to the head of the construction project and left. When they returned, Rakesh had fled. Upon entering the room, they found Avinash lying in a pool of blood.
