Archive · 24 Dec 2025
Bombay HC Denies Bail to Accused in 2020 Palghar Lynching Case
The Bombay High Court has refused to grant bail to four men accused in the mob lynching of two sadhus and their driver in Palghar during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020.
The court said the crime was very serious and there was a risk of witnesses being threatened or evidence being lost.
The accused have been in jail since 2020 and asked for bail because they have been imprisoned for a long time.
The court said that the right to freedom is important, but in this case, the safety of the community and the fairness of the trial are more important.
The court also told the CBI to finish their investigation quickly and file a report.
The accused can ask for bail again after the investigation is done.
Bombay High Court denied bail to four accused in the 2020 Palghar mob lynching case.
The court cited the gravity of the offense and concerns of witness tampering as reasons for denial.
The accused sought bail on grounds of long incarceration and the principle of parity.
The court directed the CBI to expedite the investigation and file a report before the trial court.
The court noted that the right to liberty must be balanced with the interests of society and the fairness of the trial.
- Who
- Four accused in the Palghar mob lynching case: Sunil alias Satya Shantaram Dalvi, Sajanya Barkya Burkud, Vinod Ramu Rao, and Rajesh Rao.
- What
- Bombay High Court denies bail to the four accused.
- When
- Incident on April 14, 2020; Bail decision on December 23.
- Where
- Palghar district, Maharashtra; Bombay High Court.
- Why
- Due to the gravity of the offense, witness tampering concerns, and the specific roles of the accused in the lynching.
Prosecution
Defense
Bail Eligibility
Prosecution
Opposed bail due to gravity of the offense and witness tampering concerns.
Defense
Sought bail on grounds of long incarceration and principle of parity.
Role of Accused
Prosecution
Claimed specific involvement of accused in the lynching and assault on police.
Defense
Argued for parity with other accused who have been granted bail.
- Date of Incident
- April 14, 2020
- Number of Accused Initially
- 126
- Number of Accused Granted Bail
- 42
- Date of CBI Takeover
- August 2023
- Maximum Sentence for Offense
- Life Imprisonment or Death
- Duration of Incarceration
- Five and a half years
