PANAJI
A law student, facing allegations in the murder of a salon staffer in Porvorim, has been denied anticipatory bail by the Sessions Court. Beidesh Hasutikar has been charged with murder and other cognizable offenses for the incident that occurred just days before his fourth-year exams last month.
Despite his plea regarding his upcoming final year examination, the Court -- considering the seriousness of the case -- deemed his involvement could not be ruled out and hence he needed to face an investigation. Atleast five persons were arrested and others are on the run for allegedly murdering 21-year-old Rehbar Khan and dumping his body near Audit Bhavan at Porvorim.
During the hearing of the plea, the absconding accused insisted that he was committed to his studies and diligently preparing for semester IV exams that began on April 20, 2024. While denying his involvement in the crime, the student also assured the Court he would cooperate with the investigation.
“If arrested he will lose his entire year for which he has studied. He is not involved in the offence as alleged against him, has no criminal antecedent, and comes from a respectable family. He is innocent of having committed any offenses as alleged against him, is willing to co-operate with the investigation and stand trial to vindicate his innocence,” the accused’s lawyer submitted.
The prosecution, on the other hand, sought his custody stating that more accused are yet to be traced and arrested besides which recovery of crucial evidence, including weapons, vehicles, and the victim's missing mobile phone is yet to be made.
The prosecution also submitted statements of the co-accused who revealed he was seen along with other accused before and during the crime. Although acknowledging the preliminary nature of co-accused statements, the Court noted they provide valuable leads for further investigation. “Thus at this stage, the involvement of the applicant cannot be ruled out,” the Court noted while rejecting anticipatory bail plea.
