HC cracks whip; orders SIT probe

After police lapses, case takes a decisive turn following strict intervention by the Bombay High Court

Ambernath: Nearly one-and-a-half years after the brutal murder of Sanjay Patil on Shivmandir Road in Ambernath, the case has taken a decisive turn following strict intervention by the Bombay High Court. Acting on allegations of grave lapses and deliberate inaction by local police, the court has ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the leadership of a senior IPS officer to reinvestigate the crime in a time-bound manner.

Sanjay Patil was brutally stabbed 32 times and murdered around 10 pm on October 22, 2024, in what was described as a shocking and gruesome killing that created fear across the city. Despite the seriousness of the offence, the Shivajinagar Police allegedly failed to act decisively. The victim’s wife, Vidya Patil, had accused the police of deliberately delaying the investigation and attempting to suppress the case by not arresting the accused despite the availability of crucial evidence.

Following continued inaction, the victim’s son, Hardik Patil, approached the Bombay High Court seeking justice. During the hearing, the High Court strongly criticised the local police’s handling of the murder investigation. The court directed that the probe be transferred to an IPS officer of the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police and ordered a fresh, impartial investigation.

As per the court’s directive, the investigation has now been handed over to DCP Parag Manere of the Economic Offences Wing, who will head the SIT. The High Court has also fixed a strict deadline of 12 weeks to complete the entire investigation and instructed the Thane Police Commissioner to ensure compliance.

Earlier, Vidya Patil had also approached the Maharashtra State Women’s Commission, stating that she and her family were facing threats to their lives from the accused and their relatives. She had demanded that the case be transferred to the CBI. However, following the High Court’s direct intervention, the investigation has now been transferred from the Shivajinagar Police to senior IPS officers, and the earlier applications have been formally closed.

Renewed Hope

For over a year, the accused remained at large, leaving the victim’s family living in fear. With the SIT now in charge, there is renewed hope that those responsible for the murder will finally be brought to justice. Citizens of Ambernath are closely watching whether the masterminds behind the crime that terrorised the city will finally be held accountable.

While Speaking to, ‘The Perfect Voice’, Sanjay Patil’s daughter, Harshada Patil, said that the family continues to live under constant fear, leading to severe mental distress. “Even today, the accused are roaming freely. The police have treated the suspects as if they have no connection to the case, despite knowing that they are the main accused. Important evidence was ignored, and the police failed to arrest anyone even after having sufficient proof,” she alleged. Harshada Patil further claimed that the police showed negligence in collecting critical evidence such as CCTV footage, clearly indicating investigative failure at the local level. “Now that the probe has been transferred to the SIT, we have placed our trust in this investigation. We will have to see what happens next,” she said.

Meanwhile, DCP Sachin Gore of Police Zone 4 confirmed the development, stating, “As per the Hon’ble High Court’s orders, the murder investigation has been transferred to an IPS officer of DCP rank. The probe has been entrusted to DCP Parag Manere of the Economic Offences Wing, and the investigation will be completed in a fair and thorough manner within the 12-week timeframe mandated by the court. Necessary measures are also being taken to ensure the safety of the complainant.”