Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Mar 28: A North Goa court has granted pardon to Kunal Khatik, one of the three accused in the 2024 Pilerne murder case, after he sought to turn approver. The case involves the killing of Punjabi businessman Narottam Dhilon at his Pilerne villa in February last year. The court’s decision comes with the condition that Khatik provides a full and truthful disclosure of all details related to the crime and those involved. Additional sessions judge-3, North Goa, Apurva R Nagvenkar, directed that Khatik be examined as a prosecution witness, while the case proceeds against the other two accused, Jitendra Sahu and Pooja Rahuja, both from Bhopal.

In his statement, Khatik recounted how Sahu ambushed the victim, covering his head with a towel and striking him forcefully. The prosecution, satisfied with Khatik’s confession, stated that his testimony is crucial to proving the case against Sahu and Rahuja. Khatik, along with the other accused, was charged with murdering Dhilon and fleeing with valuables worth Rs 47 lac, including an iPhone, gold, and a Fortuner car. The trio was intercepted in Mumbai, but Khatik managed to escape before being later arrested in Madhya Pradesh.

Sahu and Rahuja opposed the pardon, alleging that Khatik played an active role in the crime and was misleading the court to evade punishment. However, the prosecution maintained that his testimony was essential for securing a conviction.