API Ashwini Bidre-Gore murder case: Main accused Abhay Kurundkar gets life term

NEW DELHI: The Panvel session court on Monday has pronounced the final verdict in the murder case of assistant police inspector (API) Ashwini Bidre-Gore.
The main accused suspended police inspector Abhay Kurundkar was sentenced to life imprisonment. Two others, Kundan Bhandari and Mahesh Phalnikar, were given seven years each in prison.
The verdict brings closure to the case that has been ongoing for nine years.
Background of the case:
Ashwini Bidre-Gore, a police officer from Maharashtra, went missing in April 2016. She had been in a relationship with her colleague, Inspector Abhay Kurundkar, and the case began when she was last seen with him. After a dispute between the two, Kurundkar allegedly murdered Bidre, dismembered her body, and disposed of the remains in a creek in Vasai. Despite extensive searches, the police were unable to recover her body.
Details of the crime:
Kurundkar was found to have killed Bidre following a personal dispute. After the murder, he cut her body into pieces and placed the remains in a trunk and sack. He, along with the help of his accomplices Bhandari and Phalnikar, then dumped the body parts in the Vasai creek. The remains were never recovered, and her family lived in uncertainty for years, not knowing the fate of their loved one.
The court’s verdict:
After a prolonged investigation, which took nine years, the Panvel sessions court delivered its final judgment. The court convicted Inspector Abhay Kurundkar of murder under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for killing his colleague. Kundan Bhandari and Mahesh Phalnikar were convicted under Section 201 of the IPC for helping to dispose of the body and tampering with evidence.
Unexpected recognition for kurundkar:
A surprising element of the case was that in 2017, while still an accused in the case, Kurundkar was awarded the prestigious President’s Medal for Gallantry. Judge K.G. Paldewar expressed astonishment that Kurundkar received such an honor despite being implicated in the murder of his colleague. The judge questioned the integrity of the police department, raising concerns over how Kurundkar's name had been recommended for the award while he was under suspicion. The judge suggested that an inquiry be conducted into the actions of the officers who had approved the nomination for the medal, considering that Kurundkar was already an accused in a serious criminal case.
Role of the accomplices:
The court also convicted Kundan Bhandari, who worked as Kurundkar’s driver, and Mahesh Phalnikar, a close friend of Kurundkar and a bank staff member, for their involvement in concealing the murder and assisting in the disposal of the body. Bhandari and Phalnikar played key roles in helping Kurundkar cover up the crime. After the court’s verdict, Phalnikar collapsed in court, indicating the emotional toll the verdict had on him.
The role of technology in the investigation:
The successful prosecution of Kurundkar was largely due to strong circumstantial evidence. Special Public Prosecutor Pradip Gharat pointed out the use of Google Maps data and tracking technology, which confirmed Kurundkar’s presence at Vasai creek on the day of the murder. This critical evidence helped prove his involvement in the crime and was key to establishing his guilt. The prosecution also argued that Kurundkar had framed false records to create an alibi for himself. He had allegedly made false entries in the police logbook to suggest that he was on patrol duty when Bidre was killed. This manipulation of official records led to additional charges under Section 218 of the IPC (public servant framing incorrect records to protect someone from punishment).
Concerns over police lethargy:
The court was highly critical of the police for their slow response to the case. There were delays in registering the murder case, and the judge pointed out that political pressure may have affected the initial investigation. The judge reprimanded the officers involved in the delay and emphasized the need for disciplinary action to be taken against those responsible. This delay in the investigation led to a year-long period where the case remained unresolved, adding to the distress of Bidre’s family.
The "rarest of rare" case:
Judge K.G. Paldewar described the murder as falling into the “rarest of rare” category, highlighting the extreme brutality and callousness of the crime. The court acknowledged that Bidre’s father and daughter, who had suffered deeply due to her loss, were the true victims in this case. The judge emphasized that they had lost not just a loved one, but a mother and daughter due to the brutal actions of a colleague.
Next steps:
The sentencing of the convicted individuals will be announced on April 11. Judge Paldewar has ordered that Bidre’s father and daughter be heard on the issue of compensation before the sentence is delivered. This decision marks the end of a long battle for justice for Ashwini Bidre-Gore. The court expressed that they would ensure the convicted individuals face appropriate sentences, considering the severity of the crime.
The legal response:
In response to the verdict, Advocate Vishal Bhanushali, representing the defense, stated that his role as the defense counsel was to ensure that the trial adhered to the highest standards of fairness and due process. He acknowledged the emotional and intense scrutiny surrounding the case and emphasized that the defense had acted in accordance with legal procedures, despite the overwhelming evidence against the accused.
This case has been a shocking and tragic reminder of the lengths to which people may go when abusing power and trust. The brutal murder of a police officer by her colleague, followed by a lengthy cover-up, has shaken the public’s confidence in the justice system. With the conviction of Kurundkar, Bhandari, and Phalnikar, the court has finally delivered a long-awaited verdict. However, the questions surrounding police conduct and political influence in the case highlight the need for continued vigilance in ensuring that justice is served fairly and without interference.