FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2024
Team Herald
PANJIM: In an absolute vindication of O Heraldo’s relentless on-the-ground investigation and probe, Navy man Anurag Singh Rajawat was finally arrested 12 days after he was charged with executing the killing of his wife in a dowry death case, in which his mother-in-law was also killed.
Moreover, a murder charge under Section 302 of IPC was added as the episode also involved the killing of his mother-in-law (See the box from “Accident” to “Murder”) Jaidevi on November 18. Anurag’s mother has also been accused in the dowry death case.
On December 6, Shubham Singh Chauhan, brother of victim Shivani Rajawat, filed a complaint with the police and SDM.
In his complaint, Shubham Singh Chauhan named Anurag Rajawat husband of Shivani for allegedly planning the murder and dowry harassment against the mother-in-law of his sister.
After waiting for the report of the Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) the police further waited for the formal complaint of the brother in the matter. The police finally booked a case of dowry death in the matter but there was further delay as the police claimed that they were going to book a case under section 302 of IPC for murder. That happened on the night of January 5 (Friday).
Before the arrest was made it known, Shubham Singh Rajawat, the brother of Shivani Rajwat, speaking to OHeraldo said, “I have been constantly requesting for the arrest of Anurag Rajawat from day one. In my complaint I have mentioned that as well. However, there have been no arrests till date,” he said. “I fear that the longer the police will take it will embolden the accused and further facilitate his finding ways to get out of this matter,” he added. Those fears will be assuaged now.
Rajawat has been seeking justice for the death of his sister and mother since the tragic incident occurred. He has knocked on several doors including the Governor of Madhya Pradesh (MP), Karnataka, Goa and recently also spoke to the Director General of Police of MP, seeking help in requesting for swift investigation in earnest and also for the arrest of Anurag Rajawat for the offences.
Auda Viegas from Bailancho Ekvott NGO said, (before the arrest) “Circumstantial evidence is a vital piece of evidence and there is every chance that the case may fall flat. When I contacted the police they said that they were seeking the opinion of the Director of Prosecution in the case and that the death of Jaidevi is still under Section 174 of IPC (not obeying a legal order to attend at a certain place in person or by agent, or departing therefor without authority).”
