Palghar News: Diamond Trader Sentenced To Life Imprisonment For Double Murder

Palghar, Maharashtra: Nearly a decade after a chilling double murder crime that shook Nalasopara city, the Vasai Sessions Court has sentenced diamond trader Kiran Makwana to life imprisonment for killing his live-in partner and her teenage son. The judgment comes nine years after the brutal murder, which took place on October 16, 2015.

Makwana, 37 at the time, lived in Evershine City, Nalasopara East, with his partner Sonali Chemburkar, 32, and her 18-year-old son, Kunal. What began as a domestic dispute turned deadly when Makwana attacked Sonali with a hammer and a knife during a heated argument. When Kunal intervened to protect his mother, Makwana turned the same weapons on him, killing both at the scene.

Following the murders, Makwana attempted suicide by slashing his wrist but survived. He was arrested shortly after the incident by Tulinj Police, who registered a double murder case against him.

Announcing the sentence, Additional Sessions Judge S.V. Kongal noted that although the case rested on circumstantial evidence, the motive was clearly established. "The accused admitted that his partner Sonali had supported his wife in securing custody of his children, which created significant tension and frequent quarrels between them. On the night of the incident, this resentment boiled over into violence," the judge remarked.

The court imposed a life sentence under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code and a fine of ₹10,000. If the fine is not paid, Makwana will serve an additional six months in simple imprisonment.

Medical records presented during the trial confirmed that Makwana had told the examining doctors that he tried to take his own life after committing the murders. The court ruled that his statement was credible which further strengthened the prosecution's case.

The investigation was led by then-Senior Police Inspector Kiran Kabadi of Tulinj Police Station, who compiled strong circumstantial evidence, including the murder weapons, forensic reports, and Makwana’s own confession. Despite the absence of eyewitnesses, the court found the evidence substantial enough to convict Makwana.

Speaking on the verdict, Kabadi expressed satisfaction that the court delivered justice based on the solid evidence his team had compiled. However, he also stated that, given the brutality of the crime, he believed the accused deserved the death penalty.

The Background of the Case

Kiran Makwana, a diamond trader, had been living in Sai Seva Apartment in Evershine City, Nalasopara East, since 2011. After his wife left him, Makwana was granted custody of his two children, Jhanvi and Laksh.

Later, he entered into a live-in relationship with Sonali Chemburkar, who moved in with her son, Kunal. However, tensions surfaced as Sonali allegedly mistreated Makwana’s children, prompting them to leave and return to their mother. This ongoing domestic strife eventually escalated, leading to the double murder that shocked the community.