Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Bombay High Court at Goa has rejected the bail applications filed by Abhishek Pujari and Mutuppa alias Sunny Bagppa Nikode, both accused in the murder of Ahemad Devdi, holding that prima facie material pointed to their involvement in a criminal conspiracy and that their release could endanger prosecution witnesses.
A single Bench of Justice Shreeram Shirsat dismissed the separate pleas, observing that although neither of the accused was alleged to have carried out the actual assault, the investigation had revealed sufficient material indicating their role at different stages of the conspiracy. The court noted that the accused were allegedly involved in issuing threats prior to the incident and in extending assistance to co-accused persons after the crime.
According to the prosecution, Devdi and his friend Sandesh Salkar were attacked by a group of men near the Ganeshpuri water tank in the early hours of May 30, 2024. Devdi sustained serious injuries and later succumbed while undergoing treatment. Following his death, the Mapusa police added charges of murder along with offences relating to criminal conspiracy, attempt to murder and destruction of evidence.
The High Court observed that witness statements, call detail records and other material collected during the investigation suggested that the attack was premeditated. The Bench further held that granting bail at this stage could adversely affect the safety of witnesses and the fairness of the trial.
Taking note that charges have already been framed, the court directed that the trial be taken up expeditiously and accordingly dismissed both bail applications.
