Serving life imprisonment
in three murder cases
Vasanti Gawde (19) – 1995
Yogita Naik (30) - 2009
Sushila Phatarpekar (30) - 2007
Accused of murdering
young women
Gulabi Gaonkar - 1994
Darshan Naik (22) - 1994
Vanita Gawde - 1995
Vasanti Gawde (19) - 1995
Sunita Gaonkar (31) - 2003
Bhagi Satarkar (30) - 2004
Anjani Gaonkar (28) - 2005
Surat Gaonkar (30) - 2006
Deepali Jotkar (22) - 2006
Kesar Naik (33) - 2007
Bhagu Upaskar - 2007
Sushila Fatarpekar (30) - 2007
Nayana Gaonkar (30) - 2008
Nirmala Amonkar (32) - 2008
Yogita Naik (30) - 2009
PANAJI
The recent release of serial killer aka dupatta killer, Mahanand Naik, from Colvale Central Jail has raised serious questions regarding the timing and adherence to prison regulations.
Sources familiar with the matter revealed to The Goan that Prisons authorities had sanctioned Naik’s furlough release, scheduled for the evening of June 15. However, to everyone’s surprise, the convict was released around 6 am on the very same day, casting doubt over the legitimacy of his premature release.
Prison rules maintain that prisoners are not eligible for furlough or parole before 10 am. Officials involved in the matter chose to remain tight-lipped despite attempts to get a confirmation, fuelling speculation surrounding the case.
The jail authorities, in its order earlier this week, allowed a 21-day furlough, which marked Naik’s first release from 14 years of imprisonment as on date. The accused has been instructed to return to the jail on July 5.
Sources revealed to The Goan that certain officials personally expedited the processing of Naik's furlough request, probably anticipating objections to his temporary release as witnessed in the past.
“One of those officers took a keen interest in Naik's furlough, as he was observed moving Naik's file from one table to another in the concerned offices for approval,” the source said.
Naik faced serious accusations of murdering up to 15 young women from 1994 to 2009 and raping another young girl. His sinister method involved preying on young girls aged 19 to 25, gaining their trust, and luring them into marriage. Subsequently, he would take them to isolated locations where he robbed them of their valuables and brutally killed them using the victims’ dupatta.
The only surviving victim, who played a crucial role in his conviction, has raised concerns about safety and sought police protection for herself and her family until Naik is back in prison.
What’s however interesting is that the accused has maintained a relatively peaceful demeanour all through his time behind bars. Working as an electrician, he has refrained from engaging in disruptive behaviour and stands apart from the various factions and gangs prevailing in the jail.
