2009 Kalighat murder: Both accused given lifer

Kolkata: The detective department of Kolkata Police on Friday secured the conviction of two accused in a case of murder for the purpose of robbery in 2009 under Kalighat police station area. The two accused were sentenced to life imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 10,000 each for the crime.

The sentence was awarded by the Additional District & Sessions Judge, Fast Track, 1st Court, of Alipore to Sushil Sardar (22) alias Kochi alias Khoka and Swapan Sardar (32), both hailing from Majerhat, Choyani, Baruipur, South 24 Parganas.

The case dates back to November 6, 2009 when 59-year -old Manju Ghosal was found lying motionless at the first floor of 1, Nepal Bhattacharjee Street with deep wound marks of stabbing on her abdomen. "The ornaments on her body, like gold bangles, silver neck chain and locket and some cash were found missing which made us believe that it was a murder for gain.

Later the Autopsy surgeon opined that the death was due to injuries which were ante-mortem and homicidal in nature," a senior official of the detective department said.

The old lady was residing there alone after her husband's death with her married daughter staying in the house of her in-laws. The detective department took up the investigation and nabbed the two accused on November 19 after 13 days of the crime.

The probe revealed that Sushil was the son of one Usha Rani Mondal, who used to work in the house of the deceased as a maid-servant. Finding the old lady a prospective target to get some easy cash and jewellery, Sushil and his uncle Swapan hatched the heinous plot.

The arrest led to the recovery of stolen jewelleries from a jewellery shop of Baruipur. The weapon of offence was recovered from a bush near the Ballygunge Railway Station pursuant to their statement.