12-Year Mystery Unfolds: Pest Control Workers Cleared in Siblings’ Deaths in Versova

Versova, Mumbai: In a significant development, a sessions court in Mumbai acquitted two individuals—Ruksar Almelkar, a pest control worker, and Hitendra Shah, a pesticide seller—of charges related to the tragic deaths of Rameez Chougule (25) and Rehab Chougule (27). The siblings died within a day of a pest control session at their Versova home in July 2012, leaving their deaths shrouded in mystery for over a decade.

Rameez passed away on July 3, 2012, following vomiting and dysentery, while Rehab died a day later after displaying similar symptoms. Post-mortem reports confirmed aluminium phosphide poisoning. However, during the trial, the court noted a lack of direct evidence linking the accused to the deaths.

Key testimonies, including that of the siblings’ parents, were absent during the trial, which the court highlighted as a critical gap in the prosecution's case. Medical evidence confirmed the unnatural and homicidal nature of the deaths, yet the connection to Almelkar's pest control work remained unsubstantiated.

Defending her client, Almelkar’s lawyer argued there was no documentation proving her involvement or purchase of the pesticide in question. The court stated the evidence presented was insufficient to establish guilt, thus clearing both accused of all charges under the IPC and the Insecticides Act.

This verdict brings a conclusion to a case that captivated Mumbai for over a decade, though questions surrounding the siblings’ deaths remain unanswered.