Pune: Leena Anil Devasthali, convicted in one of Pune’s most shocking murder cases, has been released from Yerawada Central Jail after serving 19 years of a life sentence. Her release was granted under a Maharashtra state policy that permits early release of elderly prisoners on humanitarian grounds. As per the guideline, women over the age of 60 and men above 65 serving life terms may be considered for early release, especially if they are ailing or physically weak.
Devasthali, now over 60, was convicted in the 2006 murder of Dr. Deepak Mahajan, a well-known doctor from Prabhat Road. The crime had stunned Pune at the time due to its brutality. Dr. Mahajan was abducted in July 2006 with a ransom demand of ₹25 lakh. Days later, his mutilated body, chopped into eight pieces, was discovered across Katraj Ghat and near Lonavala—sending shockwaves through the city.
The investigation led Pune Police to arrest Leena and Deepti Devasthali, who were later charged and convicted. Initially, the sessions court sentenced Leena to death. However, in 2009, the Bombay High Court overturned the death penalty, converting it to life imprisonment due to insufficient direct evidence linking her conclusively to the murder.
Devasthali filed for early release through the Pune District Legal Services Authority, citing the government resolution. After thorough examination of her application and compliance with the policy criteria, she was granted release.
While her release formally concludes a dark chapter in Pune’s criminal history, it has also reignited debate around the appropriateness of leniency in cases involving gruesome crimes. The Mahajan case remains etched in public memory for its horrifying details and dramatic legal proceedings.
