Present at today’s hearing were Ashwini Bidre’s husband, daughter, father, and brother, who delivered their victim impact statements before the court. The judge also heard the statements of the convicted accused, including dismissed Senior Police Inspector Abhay Kurundkar, as well as Mahesh Palanikar and Kundan Bhandari, both of whom were found guilty of destroying evidence in connection with the case.
Assistant Police Inspector Ashwini Bidre was murdered on April 11, 2016, a case that has captured statewide attention for its brutality and its long legal proceedings. The trial has been ongoing for nearly seven years in both the Alibaug and Panvel Sessions Courts, during which the court examined approximately 80 witnesses.
In a recent verdict, the court convicted the prime accused, dismissed police officer Abhay Kurundkar, for the murder of Ashwini Bidre. A total of five individuals were arrested in the case, including Kurundkar, Palanikar, and Bhandari.
The next hearing is scheduled for April 21, during which the court is expected to pronounce the sentences for the convicted individuals. Legal experts believe that the judge's decision could set a strong precedent in cases involving crimes against women by law enforcement personnel.
The Bidre family, who have been fighting for justice for the past seven years, continue to urge for the maximum possible punishment for those responsible for Ashwini’s death.