The Chengalpattu Court today acquitted Dashvanth, a convict currently serving a death sentence and 46 years imprisonment for the 2017 rape and murder of a six-year-old girl, in a separate case involving the killing of his mother, Sarala Shekar.
The court cited insufficient evidence and unreliable witness testimony as grounds for the acquittal in the matricide case. Despite this verdict, Dashvanth remains incarcerated at Puzhal prison for the minor’s murder. This verdict came despite Dashvanth allegedly admitting to the murder of his mother in 2017.
Dashvanth, a resident of Kundrathur in Kancheepuram district, was convicted in 2018 by the Chengalpattu Mahila Court for the brutal rape and murder of a six-year-old girl, whose petrol-doused body was found dumped on a national highway. While the trial court had awarded him the death penalty plus 46 years’ imprisonment, the Supreme Court stayed the execution last year pending further appeals.
The current acquittal relates to a separate case involving the alleged murder of his mother. Legal observers note the unusual circumstance of a death row convict being tried for another murder while his capital punishment remains stayed.
Court records indicate the prosecution failed to establish Dashvanth’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt in his mother’s killing. The judge noted evidentiary gaps and credibility issues with key witnesses in delivering today’s verdict.
Authorities confirm Dashvanth has been returned to Puzhal prison to continue serving his existing sentence for the 2017 child murder case. Legal proceedings regarding his Supreme Court appeal against the death penalty remain ongoing.
(With inputs from DT Next)
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