Thane Court Sentences Two to Life Imprisonment for 2017 Gang-Rape and Robbery Case

Suresh Pandurang Gosavi (32) and Umesh alias Rakesh Jhala (31), both residents of Dahisar East, Mumbai, were sentenced to life imprisonment and a fine of Rs 50,000 by a Thane court on Friday for the gang-rape and robbery of a 28-year-old private company officer. Failure to pay the fine will result in an additional month of rigorous imprisonment.

On December 19, 2017, the victim, a resident of Ghodbunder Road, Thane, accepted a ride near Mira Road around 6 pm. The driver, along with an accomplice already in the car, diverted to Gaymukh bus stop, robbed her of her phone and money, and then forced her to the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway, where she was gang-raped. The perpetrators further stole her gold ornaments and took her to a lodge in Vajreshwari. After she screamed, they fled.

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Following a police report filed at Kashimira Police Station, Suresh and Umesh were arrested. During the Thane Sessions Court hearing before Judge Vasudha Bhosale on March 7, 2025, public prosecutors Rajendra Patil and Varsha Chandane presented a compelling case, leading to their conviction for rape and robbery. Investigating officer Vaibhav Shingare and prosecuting officers Police Anmaldar Saidas Chavan and Anil Madhavi contributed to the prosecution.