Bombay High Court Upholds Life Sentence of Watchman for Murder of Corporate Lawyer Pallavi Purkayastha

The Bombay High Court today upheld the conviction and life sentence of Sajjad Ahmed Abdul Aziz Mugal alias Pathan, a watchman found guilty of murdering Pallavi Purkayastha, a corporate lawyer, in Wadala, Mumbai, in August 2012.

A division bench comprising Justices Ajay Gadkari and Dr. Neela Gokhale dismissed two appeals—one filed by the convict seeking acquittal and the other by the State and Pallavi’s father, seeking enhancement of sentence to death.

Court’s Findings

The bench stated “The evidence on record, when assessed in its entirety, establishes the guilt of the appellant beyond all reasonable doubt. The observations of the trial court are compelling and do not warrant any interference. The prosecution has established its case based on legal, admissible, and cogent evidence.”

Regarding sentencing, the Court clarified:

• The life imprisonment will continue till the end of the convict’s natural life.

• No parole or furlough will be granted due to his past conduct of absconding from prison.

Facts of the Case

• On August 9, 2012, Sajjad, working as a watchman at Pallavi’s building, tripped her apartment’s electricity, prompting her to call an electrician.

• Sajjad accompanied the electrician, obtained the flat keys, and attempted to force himself on Pallavi.

• During the altercation, he stabbed her, leaving her dead.

• He was arrested later and convicted in July 2014, receiving a life sentence.

Notably, Sajjad was released on parole in February 2016 to visit his ailing mother in Kashmir but jumped parole, changed identity, and worked as a watchman in Andheri. He was re-arrested after one year.

Evidence Considered

The bench highlighted that the prosecution proved all key aspects, including:

• Motive: Sajjad wanted to have sexual relations with Pallavi.

• Last seen evidence: Neighbours saw him near the flat at 1:30 a.m. on the pretext of Pallavi’s fiancé calling him.

• Forensic evidence: Blood in the flat, injuries on Sajjad consistent with scuffle.

• Confession: Sajjad admitted guilt to witnesses while seeking financial help to return home.

• "All these established facts are consistent with Sajjad's guilt and the chain of evidence is so complete that there is no reasonable ground for a conclusion consistent with his innocence,” the judgment read.

Court’s Conclusion

The Bombay High Court dismissed all appeals and upheld life imprisonment till natural death without parole.

Case Title: State of Maharashtra vs Sajjad Ahmed Abdul Aziz Mugal (Criminal Appeal 678 of 2014)