Life Sentence for Thane Murder Convict

A Thane court has handed down a life sentence to Ankesh Rajendra Gupta for the murder of a local resident, stemming from a 2021 dispute. The judgment by Principal District and Sessions Judge S B Agrawal pointed to the seriousness of the crime, highlighted by the recovery of the murder weapon.

Gupta was found guilty of murder and criminal intimidation, and also received a fine of Rs 1.10 lakh, which is to be paid as compensation to the victim's wife. Meanwhile, the court acquitted Prashant Pradip Gujar due to insufficient evidence of his involvement.

The case, registered on August 6, 2021, involved the stabbing of Sameer Sashikant Pathare in Mumbra. Despite the serious charges against both accused, only Gupta's culpability was established through the testimony of 12 witnesses, including the victim's wife.