The Additional District Sessions Judge-1 at the Gondia Sessions Court, Nandu Lovete, convicted Kishore Sriram Shende for brutally burning his wife, son, and father-in-law alive by pouring petrol on them. Shende, aged 30 and a resident of Bhiwapur in the district of Tiroda, Gondia, was sentenced to death and life imprisonment, along with a fine of Rs.10,000. The heinous incident occurred on February 14, 2023, in the Suryatol area of Gondia, around midnight.
Shende, suspecting his wife's character, threatened her and brought petrol to the house with the intent to harm. He poured petrol on his father-in-law, Devanand Sitku Meshram (aged 52), who was asleep on the floor. Subsequently, when his wife, Aarti Shende, approached the door and the accused poured petrol on her, setting the house ablaze with a match.
Tragically, the father-in-law succumbed to his injuries on the spot. His wife and young son, Jay (aged 4), sustained severe injuries with 90 percent burns, with Jay passing away during treatment. The accused was arrested on May 16, 2023, following the filing of charges under IPC sections 302, 307, 436, and 506 at the Ramnagar police station. The investigation was conducted meticulously, gathering strong witness and circumstantial evidence against the accused, leading to a conviction.
The court appointed a special public prosecutor to handle the case vigorously. The Additional District and Sessions Judge-1, Court Gondia, sentenced Kishore to death under section 302, in addition to the fine. The police, under the leadership of Police Inspector Sandesh Kenjale and Assistant Police Inspector Raju Bastwade, diligently worked on the case.
Police Inspector Dinesh Labde of the Local Crime Branch, Gondia, oversaw the investigation, collecting crucial evidence to support the prosecution. In court, the special public prosecutor vehemently argued for the death penalty, receiving support from other legal professionals and police constables involved in the case. The Superintendent of Police, Nikhil Pingle, and Upper Superintendent of Police, Nityannad Jha, commended the efforts of all those involved in the investigation and prosecution of the case, recognizing their dedication to ensuring justice was served.