Six witnesses jailed for giving false evidence in Katargam murder case

Surat : The local court on Wednesday sentenced six witnesses to one month in jail and fined each Rs 300 for intentionally providing false evidence and turning hostile in a murder case, a move that benefited the accused. The court warned that such acts "cannot be taken lightly" and emphasized its duty to punish witnesses who attempt to subvert justice.The sentence comes 15 days after the main accused, Dipesh Kantariya, was acquitted of murder charges on Jan 17, 2026.
The case dates back to Nov 5, 2021, when victim Kalu, also known as Kishan Baraiya, was murdered in Bhagwan Nagar Society, Katargam. Dipesh Kantariya, a resident of the same society, was arrested and charged and a trial ensued over the next four years.During the proceedings, key witnesses retracted statements they had earlier given to the police, contradicting their testimonies and aiding the accused. Due to insufficient evidence, Kantariya was acquitted.Following this, the Sessions Court issued a show-cause notice to six witnesses under Section 344 of the CrPC, asking why they should not be penalized for assisting the accused. The witnesses included Nikhil alias Khato Nanjibhai Maru, Karan alias Kallu Dineshbhai Rathod, Gautam Kalubhai Gohil, Dharmesh Himatbhai Miyatra, Kiran Nareshbhai Anjara and Pujaben Nagar.After hearing arguments from public prosecutor Dipesh Dave and advocates Ashwin Jogadia and Kajal Vadhel representing the complainant, the court ordered simple imprisonment of one month for each witness, along with a Rs 300 fine, failing which an additional five days' jail would be imposed.The court stressed that "the incident of main witnesses turning hostile after taking oath for the benefit of the accused cannot be taken lightly. The court cannot be a mute spectator against such intentional activities."BOXThe court, in its verdict, observed:"In serious crimes like murder, when key witnesses declare false facts under oath to benefit the accused, such behavior cannot be taken lightly. If ignored, anyone could take an oath and present false facts, undermining the judicial process. Such actions must never be accepted. Strict action is necessary against witnesses who intentionally provide false evidence to ensure truth is upheld in court and the judicial process is not misused. Only then can public trust in the judiciary be maintained; failure to act erodes confidence and has severe consequences for law-abiding society. In such circumstances, the court cannot remain a mute spectator and must impose appropriate penalties and sentences on such witnesses as part of its sacred duty."