Parrot Witnessing Murder Scene in India
Crucial Clue in Catching the Culprit
Died Six Months After Owner's Death
In India, a parrot repeatedly calling out the name of a suspect led to the arrest of the culprit. The parrot witnessed the scene where its owner was murdered and provided crucial testimony, resulting in the suspect being sentenced to life imprisonment.
On the 27th (local time), according to India Today and other sources, a district court in India sentenced Ashutosh Goswami (36) to life imprisonment and a fine of 72,000 rupees (approximately 1.13 million KRW) for the murder of his aunt, Neelam Sharma. The arrest of Ashutosh was largely due to the decisive role played by Neelam’s pet parrot.
The incident dates back to February 20, 2014, nine years ago. At that time, Neelam was found dead at her home due to excessive bleeding, and her pet dog was also found dead nearby. A large amount of cash and jewelry inside the house had disappeared. Neelam’s body showed 14 stab wounds.
The police launched an investigation but made no progress due to lack of concrete evidence. Frustrated, Neelam’s husband, Vijay Sharma, mentioned the names of men he knew one by one in front of the parrot. When the parrot heard the name of the nephew, "Ashu," it excitedly repeated, "Ashu! Ashu!" while flapping its wings. The police obtained statements from the family confirming that "Ashu" referred to Neelam’s nephew, Ashutosh.
Subsequently, the police conducted inquiries with neighbors and secured eyewitness accounts stating that "Ashutosh was seen leaving Neelam’s house." Vijay also testified that "Ashutosh never visited the house even after hearing about my wife’s death."
However, without clear evidence, the verdict was delayed for nine years. After a long investigation, Ashutosh confessed, "With the help of a friend, I planned a robbery, but on the day of the crime, the victim resisted strongly, which led to me committing murder."
The Indian district court sentenced Ashutosh and his friend Roni to life imprisonment and imposed a fine of 72,000 rupees (approximately 1.13 million KRW). Special Judge Mohammad Rashid cited Ashutosh’s confession and the parrot’s "special cries" as key evidence in the verdict.
The court stated, "Under Indian evidence law, the parrot’s testimony cannot be officially recognized as valid," but added, "Throughout the trial, the parrot’s testimony was central, and the police acknowledged the significant role the parrot played."
However, the parrot that exposed Ashutosh’s crime stopped eating and drinking after its owner’s death and passed away just six months after the murder. Vijay, the husband, also died in November 2020.
Neelam’s daughter, Nivedita, commented on the final verdict, saying, "My late father wanted Ashu to be hanged," and added, "The whole family will continue to petition to ensure Ashu pays the appropriate price."
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