Bombay HC Grants Bail in Chilling Murder-Rape Case After 3 Years in Custody

(Syed Ali Taher Abedi)

Mumbai,02,August,2025-In a case that sent shockwaves across Kurla, the Bombay High Court has granted bail to 19-year-old Faisal Imran Shaikh, arrested for his alleged role in the rape and brutal murder of a 19-year-old pregnant girl in 2021. The victim, reportedly in a relationship with accused Ryan, was pressuring him to marry. On 23 November 2021, Ryan allegedly lured her to a deserted spot near HDIL Tower, where she was murdered using a knife, with Faisal and a third accused, Maaj, allegedly assisting in concealing her identity.

“As regards the recovery of the alleged weapon (hammer), it is settled law that recovery by itself is not conclusive, particularly when it is from the residence of the accused, and more importantly, when there is no forensic report linking the weapon to the crime. The prosecution has also relied on an alleged extrajudicial confession. However, such evidence is inherently weak and needs corroboration through other independent material, which appears to be lacking in the present case.” the Judgement reads.

Following the discovery of the body, an FIR (No. 376/2021) was lodged at Vinoba Bhave Nagar Police Station, leading to the arrest of all three accused.

After spending 3 years and 9 months in custody, Faisal’s bail was moved by Advocate Nitin Satpute, who argued that the forensic evidence did not support the allegations against his client. The alleged weapon—a hammer—showed no blood stains, and Faisal’s mobile location was consistent with his usual whereabouts. The High Court accepted these arguments and dismissed the state’s opposition, granting bail of ₹50,000 with conditions.

“It is further to be noted that the applicant has been in custody since 27th November 2021, i.e., for a period of more than three years and eight months. The charges have been framed, but no witnesses have been examined till date. The prosecution has cited as many as 34 witnesses, and considering the usual pace of trial and the pendency in trial courts, it is evident that the trial is not likely to conclude in the near future.”

Justice Amit Borkar recognized discrepancies in the investigation and cited them in his judgment, raising questions about police procedure and evidence framing.