16 sentenced to life in 2008 murder case

Thane Additional Sessions Judge I B Shaikh today pronounced the judgement against 16 persons from Bamarli village of Shil-Daighar in Thane, all related to each other, and also imposed a fine of Rs 5,000.

Besides, the court also held them guilty under section 324 of IPC and awarded them three years imprisonment, along with a fine of Rs 500 each.

The court also acquitted 19 others for lack of evidence against them in the case.

According to prosecution, on October 29, 2008, Sanjay Balaram Gondhali, along with nine others came armed with cricket bats and stumps and interrupted a cricket game being played by one Gurunath and his brother Bhagwan, demanding that they vacate the place.

When Gurunath objected to it, Sanjay and his aides left the place, but returned armed with axes, swords, sticks and rods and thrashed him and his brother.

Gurunath, who sustained serious injuries in the attack, was rushed to hospital where he was declared brought dead while Bhagwan was admitted and treated for his injuries.

Prior to the incident, Gurunath had minor scuffles with Sanjay and his family over some issues, the prosecution said, adding that at that time also Sanjay and his cousins had beaten up Gurunath and his brother Hiraman.

The 16 convicted include Sanjay and his family members.