Pune: In a significant ruling, the court has acquitted Salim Shabbir Shaikh in the seven-year-old Lonavala double murder case due to lack of evidence. The second accused, who was a minor at the time, had already been released earlier.

The court's decision came after prosecution was unable to prove the theft charges against the accused.

The double murder case involved the deaths of two students, Sarthak Wakchaure and Shruti Dumbre, whose bodies were discovered in a secluded area near Bhushi Dam.

Following their murders, the police formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and arrested Salim Shaikh and Asif Shaikh two and a half months later. However, the minor accused was released due to his age.

The court's recent decision has led to the acquittal of Salim Shaikh, who had been expected to face severe punishment. The incident, which occurred on April 3, 2017, shocked the community as the students were found with severe injuries and their hands and feet tied.

Despite the initial confession during police interrogation, the theft charges could not be substantiated in court, leading to the release of the accused.

Sarthak Wakchaure and Shruti Dumbre, both students of Sinhgad College in Lonavala, had gone to explore the hills behind Bhushi Dam on April 3, 2017. Their bodies were later found, unclothed and with severe head injuries.

Multiple wounds were found on their bodies, and their hands and feet were tied. Following the discovery, students demanded the arrest of the culprits.

To investigate the case, the police formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT). During the investigation, an informer revealed that one of the accused had confessed to the murders while intoxicated. The police then arrested both accused two and a half months later. During interrogation, the accused confessed that the murders were committed with the intent to steal.

Asif and Salim had initially approached Sarthak and Shruti, who were in a secluded area, and questioned them. Despite Sarthak’s assurance that they were leaving soon, the accused returned after five minutes.

They took Sarthak and Shruti to nearby bushes, threatened them with sharp weapons, and forced Sarthak to undress while taking Shruti aside.

When Sarthak tried to stop them, he was beaten to death. Shruti screamed for help, leading the accused to decide to kill her as well. They bound her hands with clothes and crushed her head with a stone. After the incident, the accused fled with two mobile phones and a thousand rupees in cash.