Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Jan 15: In the double murder case that occurred about five years ago at Muthayya Kere in Yelinje village near Damaskatte, Kinnigoli under the Mulki police station limits, the charges against Alphonse Saldanha (52) have been proved.
It is stated that Alphonse Saldanha had longstanding enmity with his neighbour Vincy alias Vincent D’Souza over a dispute in which branches of a tree located on Alphonse’s property were falling onto the land and roof of Vincy’s house. In an attempt to resolve the issue through discussion, the two came face to face on April 29, 2020. During the argument, Alphonse allegedly challenged Vincy saying he would not remove the tree branches and dared him to do whatever he wanted. He then stabbed Vincent D’Souza with a knife.
Vincent and Helen D’Souza
When Vincent’s wife Helen D’Souza (43) rushed to her husband’s defence after witnessing the attack, Alphonse allegedly stabbed her as well. He also reportedly threatened another woman who attempted to intervene and rescue them.
Vincent D’Souza, who sustained grievous stab injuries, died on the spot, while Helen D’Souza, who was critically injured, succumbed to her injuries on the way to the hospital. Following the investigation, then inspector Jayaram D Gowda filed the charge sheet in the case.
The first additional district and sessions court judge, Mallikarjun Swamy H S, examined 24 witnesses and marked 46 documents. Subsequently, the case was transferred to the second additional district and sessions/special court. After hearing the arguments, judge Jagadeesh VN held that the charges against accused Alphonse Saldanha were proved and delivered the verdict under Sections 506, 341 and 302 of the Indian Penal Code. The prosecution was represented by public prosecutor Judith Olla Margaret Crasta.
As a result of the murder of the couple, their two children have been left orphaned. At the time of the incident, their daughter was studying in Class 10 and their son in class 5. The deceased woman’s sister is currently taking care of the children, but she has no source of income. Considering this, the public prosecutor urged the court to grant higher compensation to the children.
During the course of the trial, Alphonse Saldanha had filed an application claiming that he was mentally ill and submitted old medical records stating that he had undergone treatment in Mumbai between 2000 and 2002. However, the trial court rejected the application. The matter was later taken up before the high court, where proceedings continued for two years, and the application was dismissed there as well.