Mumbai Man Granted Bail After 48 Years to Face Trial for 1977 Stabbing

An 81-year-old man accused of stabbing his girlfriend in 1977 will finally face trial after nearly five decades on the run. The Mumbai Sessions Court recently granted bail to Chandrashekhar Madhukar Kalekar, who had been absconding since the incident in Colaba, South Mumbai.

Background of the Case

Kalekar was 23 years old at the time of the attack, allegedly stabbing his girlfriend due to suspicions about her character. Though initially arrested for attempt to murder, he was granted bail and subsequently failed to appear before the court. A Non-Bailable Warrant (NBW) was later issued when he became a fugitive.

Efforts by Mumbai Police to trace him were complicated by the redevelopment of his former residence, making it difficult to locate him for decades.

Recent Arrest and Identification

During a fresh investigation, police discovered a 2015 case registered against Kalekar at the Dapoli police station in Ratnagiri district. Acting on this lead, Colaba police tracked and arrested him. Identification relied on old photographs, and Kalekar reportedly confessed during interrogation.

Bail Hearing and Court Decision

Kalekar’s advocate, Sunil Pandey, highlighted his client’s advanced age and health issues, stating he had relocated and could not be notified of the trial due to hospitalisation and the demolition of his hutment in 2010.

The Additional Public Prosecutor Anand Sukhadeve opposed the bail, citing the seriousness of the offence and the risk of absconding again.

Sessions Judge Avinash P Kulkarni granted bail, noting Kalekar’s assurance to attend the trial and considering his senior age and health condition.

Next Steps

After 48 years, the trial against Chandrashekhar Madhukar Kalekar is finally set to begin, bringing long-delayed justice closer for the victim and her family.