Mulki: The Second Additional District and Sessions Court on Monday sentenced Alphons Saldanha to life imprisonment in connection with the double murder case reported from Muthayyakeri Agindakadu in Elinje village of Mulki taluk. The verdict was delivered by Judge Jagadeesh, bringing legal closure to a brutal crime that had shocked the region in 2020.
Murders stemmed from neighbourhood dispute
The case pertains to the murder of a couple, Vinny alias Vincent D’Souza and his wife Helen D’Souza, also known as Helen Rosie Rodrigues. The prosecution established that the crime occurred on April 29, 2020, following a dispute between the accused and the victims over the cutting of tree branches near the accused’s house.
According to the case records, the disagreement, which initially appeared minor, escalated into a violent confrontation, ultimately resulting in the deaths of both neighbours. The double murder had caused widespread outrage at the time, given the brutal nature of the crime and the fact that it stemmed from a neighbourhood dispute.
Investigation and filing of chargesheet
The investigation into the case was conducted by the then Mulki Police Station Inspector, Jayaram D. Gowda. Following a detailed probe, police gathered evidence, recorded witness statements and reconstructed the sequence of events leading to the murders.
Based on the findings of the investigation, a chargesheet was filed before the court, accusing Alphons Saldanha of murdering the couple. The chargesheet outlined the motive, the circumstances under which the crime was committed, and the role of the accused in the incident.
Trial proceedings and court findings
The trial in the case was initially conducted by First Additional District and Sessions Court Judge Mallikarjun. During the course of the trial, the prosecution examined several witnesses and produced material evidence to support its case.
After evaluating the evidence and hearing arguments from both sides, the court found the accused guilty of the double murder. The court observed that the prosecution had successfully established the chain of events and proved the guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt.
Life imprisonment and fine imposed
Upon conviction, the Second Additional District and Sessions Court sentenced Alphons Saldanha to life imprisonment. In addition to the prison term, the court also imposed a fine of Rs 2 lakh on the accused.
The sentencing was delivered by Judge Jagadeesh, who noted the seriousness of the offence and the impact of the crime on the victims’ family and the community. The court underscored that the punishment was proportionate to the gravity of the offence committed.
Role of the prosecution
The prosecution in the case was argued by government prosecutor Judith Olla Margaret. She presented the case on behalf of the State, highlighting the motive behind the crime, the evidence collected during the investigation, and the testimony of witnesses.
The prosecution contended that the murders were intentional and premeditated, arising out of a dispute that the accused chose to resolve through extreme violence. The court accepted the prosecution’s arguments while delivering the verdict.
Case draws attention to violent disputes
The case once again highlighted how seemingly minor disputes can escalate into violent crimes with irreversible consequences. The double murder had deeply affected the local community and remained a reminder of the need for peaceful resolution of conflicts.
Legal observers noted that the verdict reinforces the principle that serious crimes, regardless of the motive or background, will be dealt with firmly under the law.
Conclusion
With the sentencing of Alphons Saldanha to life imprisonment, the judicial process in the Mulki double murder case has reached its conclusion. The verdict serves as a measure of justice for the victims and their families, while also sending a strong message about the consequences of violent crime arising from personal disputes.