Archive · 12 Nov 2025
Bombay HC Upholds Life Sentence for Pallavi Purkayastha's Murderer
A man named Sajjad worked as a security guard and was found guilty of murdering a lawyer named Pallavi in her Mumbai home in 2012.
He's believed to have entered her apartment after turning off the power.
Later, he was arrested, but he escaped while on parole.
The police searched for him for almost two years and finally found him near the Pakistan border.
He was brought back to Mumbai and tried for the murder.
The courts agreed that Sajjad was guilty and sentenced him to life in prison.
The High Court recently confirmed this sentence and also said he cannot get time off from prison, like parole or furlough, because of his past actions.
They felt the evidence proved he committed the crime beyond any doubt.
The Bombay High Court upheld the life sentence for Sajjad Pathan for the 2012 murder of Pallavi Purkayastha in Mumbai.
The court rejected appeals from the prosecution and the victim's father seeking a death sentence for Pathan.
Pathan's conviction was based on circumstantial evidence, including DNA analysis and the 'last seen theory'.
The High Court ruled that Pathan is not eligible for parole or furlough due to his past conduct, including absconding after parole.
Pathan was on the run for nearly 19 months after jumping parole and was eventually apprehended near the Pakistan border.
- Who
- Sajjad Ahmed Abdul Aziz Mughal alias Sajjad Pathan, a security guard, convicted for the murder of Pallavi Purkayastha.
- What
- The Bombay High Court upheld the life sentence of a security guard for the 2012 murder of a lawyer, rejecting appeals for a death sentence and denying parole or furlough.
- When
- The murder occurred on the night of August 8, 2012. The Bombay High Court delivered its verdict on November 10.
- Where
- The murder took place at Pallavi Purkayastha's flat in Wadala, Mumbai. Pathan was apprehended near the Pakistan border after absconding and later recaptured in Mumbai.
- Why
- The motive for the murder is stated to be established by the court, with Pathan deliberately cutting power to enter the flat. He also confessed to guilt while seeking money to return to his native land.
Defense Argument
Prosecution Argument
Evidence Presented
Defense Argument
The case relies solely on circumstantial evidence, and crucial evidence like fingerprints are missing, which is unnatural. The non-functional CCTV cameras in an upscale society are also suspicious.
Prosecution Argument
DNA analysis confirms Pathan's involvement, with his DNA found on hair at the scene. The victim's DNA was on the murder weapon and other items. Non-functional CCTV cameras do not weaken the case.
Sentence Enhancement
Defense Argument
The defense sought to quash the sessions court order, implying a lesser sentence or acquittal.
Prosecution Argument
Pallavi's father sought the death penalty, citing Pathan's unexplained bloodstains, injuries, confessions, parole jump, and proximity to the Pakistan border as proof of guilt.
- Convict
- Sajjad Ahmed Abdul Aziz Mughal alias Sajjad Pathan
- Victim
- Pallavi Purkayastha
- Crime
- Murder
- Conviction Date
- July 2014 (Sessions Court), November 10 (Bombay High Court verdict)
- Sentence
- Life imprisonment, not eligible for parole or furlough
- Year of Murder
- 2012