Nagpur Family Murder: Bombay High Court Confirms Death Penalty for Man in “Rarest of Rare” Case. This case, stemming from a deeply rooted grudge over property rights, has been marked by the judiciary as “cold-blooded,” “pre-planned,” and falling into the “Rarest of Rare” category of crimes warranting capital punishment.
On March 27, the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court has upheld the death sentence for a 46-year-old laborer, convicted of the heinous murder of five members of his own family, including his sister, her family, and his own child, over a land dispute in June 2018. This case, stemming from a deeply rooted grudge over property rights, has been marked by the judiciary as “cold-blooded,” “pre-planned,” and falling into the “Rarest of Rare” category of crimes warranting capital punishment.
Justices Vinay Joshi and MW Chandwani, presiding over the case, delivered a judgment that underscored the brutality and inhumanity of the crime.
“The act was extremely barbaric, cruel, and brutal. The accused has killed his own sister, her family, and his own child. The act was heartless, in total disregard for human relationships,”
the bench stated, painting a grim picture of the events that transpired.
The severity of the crime was further emphasized by the bench, which noted,
“The atrocity of the crime resulted in five deaths, including that of children, squarely makes out a case of exceptional category.”
This statement highlights the devastating impact of the crime, not just on the immediate victims, but on the fabric of society itself.
In their ruling, the justices elaborated on the rationale behind the severe sentencing, stating,
“Considering the manner of the crime, past and post conduct, the accused is beyond reformation and rehabilitation. The accused would be a menace or threat to society. In our considered view, the case undoubtedly falls in the ‘Rarest of Rare’ category warranting capital punishment.”
This declaration underscores the court’s stance on the irredeemability of the accused and the necessity of the death penalty as a deterrent for crimes of such heinous nature.
The backstory of the accused, identified as Vivek Gulabrao Palatkar, adds layers of complexity to the case. Following an initial conviction that was later overturned, freeing him, Palatkar harbored a deep-seated resentment towards his brother-in-law, Kamlakar. The root of this animosity was Kamlakar’s request for Palatkar to transfer his agricultural land to his sister, Archana, as compensation for the upbringing of Palatkar’s children and the legal expenses incurred. This grudge led Palatkar to meticulously plan and execute the murder of Kamlakar and four others with a heavy crowbar, in a night of unfathomable violence.
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The police have pointed out that
“Palatkar’s motive for killing Kamlakar stemmed out of the land dispute and the humiliation he faced.”
However, the brutality did not stop at Kamlakar; as others woke during the assault, they too were mercilessly killed.
Detailing the brutality, the bench highlighted,
“Medical evidence discloses that the accused had dealt multiple blows by sharp as well as blunt side of the heavy iron crowbar. The inquest panchnama indicates that the crowbar has pierced through the brain of Kamlakar. The attack on Archana’s daughter and his own son was with great force by crowbar penetrating deep into their heads, exposing brain matter. There were repeated blows on the head and face of Archana, causing multiple injuries.”
Following the murders, Palatkar’s attempt to flee and his subsequent violent behavior while incarcerated, including assaulting and attempting to kill a fellow inmate, were seen as further evidence of his dangerous nature. The court concluded that Palatkar was
“beyond improvement and there were no chances of reformation,”
sealing his fate with the death penalty.
This case, with its layers of familial betrayal, premeditated violence, and the ultimate judgment of the law, serves as a stark reminder of the depths of human depravity and the role of the judiciary in delivering justice in the face of unimaginable crimes. The Nagpur family murder case, now concluded with the confirmation of the death penalty, leaves a lasting imprint on the discourse surrounding capital punishment and the criteria that define the “Rarest of Rare” cases in India.
