Nail scrapings, DNA and CCTV prove crucial:29 witnesses shatter accused’s false story; conspiracy and murder uncovered in court

In a major update from Indore, the district court has given its verdict in the high-profile Shilpu Bhadauria murder case. The court said the death was not a suicide but a planned murder. All three accused Ashutosh Johre, Shailendra Saraswat and Neeraj Dandotiya, residents of Gwalior have been found guilty. The court has sentenced them to life imprisonment. They have also been given separate jail terms of seven years each for destroying evidence. The incident happened on August 7, 2016. Shilpu Bhadauria, who was staying on the fourth floor of a hotel, was found dead on the ground floor. At first, the accused claimed it was a suicide. However, the post-mortem report rejected this claim. It confirmed that Shilpu died due to strangulation before the fall. Signs of struggle and crucial evidence found in fingernails The investigation of the case also revealed that the deceased had struggled with the accused. Skin particles of the accused were found in her fingernails, which the court considered important evidence. This proved that there was a fierce struggle before the murder. DNA and Forensic Report Strengthened the Case According to Shyam Dangi (Additional Public Prosecutor), the police also found some objectionable items from the crime scene. During the forensic investigation, the DNA of accused Neeraj matched with those items. This evidence proved to be very crucial for the prosecution and the court considered it an important basis. Seen Coming and Going in CCTV Footage In the hotel’s CCTV footage, all three accused were seen coming and going in the hotel before and after the incident. This proved their presence at the scene. Additionally, the statement of a tattoo artist also strengthened the case, who stated that all four were present in the same room before the incident. Verdict Based on 29 Witnesses and Technical Evidence In this case, statements of a total of 29 witnesses were recorded. Call details, forensic reports, CCTV footage, and statements of eyewitnesses together revealed the entire conspiracy of the murder. The court held that the accused tried to commit murder in a pre-planned manner and presented it as suicide. 10-year long hearing, major reason for delay: Corona period The hearing of the case lasted for about 10 years. The biggest delay was caused by the 2020 Corona lockdown. The hearing in the case was affected for about three and a half years. Additionally, the accused also took time on several occasions. Technical, forensic evidence: Silent witnesses The special thing is that it is clear from the court’s decision that technical and scientific evidence are important in bringing out the truth of any crime. A false ‘suicide’ story ultimately could not stand the test of law, and after 10 years, all three accused were finally convicted. Shilpu Murder Case: Know when what happened