Mumbai: Twenty-one years ago, a brutal murder occurred in Malabar Hill. In August 2023, Dr. Asha Goel, a 63-year-old NRI, a renowned obstetrician and gynecologist, arrived from Canada. On August 22 that year, she was allegedly killed by her two brothers and their associates. Her family has been seeking justice ever since.
About The Case
The crime took place at the residence of her brother Suresh Agarwal’s residence on the 14th floor, Sudhakar Building, B-wing, Narayan Dabholkar Road. She had 21 injuries on her body, including a massive head injury, a broken jaw, a ruptured liver and numerous stab wounds. The case was registered with Malabar police station and was later transferred to Mumbai crime branch.
Dr Goel had six siblings – four sisters and three brothers. After her marriage, she moved to Canada in 1963. Her brother Shekhar lives in Los Angeles, another brother, Subhash, lives in Canada, and the third late brother, Suresh, lived in Mumbai. All three brothers were involved in the import and export business.
Dr Goel’s daughter, Rashmi Goel, 56, a professor of law at the University of Denver, has arrived in India. She organised a press conference on Monday, appealing to the Chief Minister of Maharashtra through a letter. The letter stated, “The evidence is irrefutable – bloody clotting, DNA matches, and even a confession from one of the assailants. Yet, the trial has barely progressed. Hope, once bright, has faded due to endless delays, unfulfilled promises, and a justice system that has failed my mother. Please intervene and ensure that justice is finally served.” “The police booked six persons, two of whom have died, while one is absconding and another, Pradeep Parab, turned approver,” Rashmi said.
“For three years after her murder, we had no answers. Then, in 2006, there was a breakthrough – one of the attackers confessed, and DNA evidence corroborated his statement. We believed justice was near, but we were wrong,” Rashmi said while discussing the process of investigation.
Rashmi said the family is still waiting for closure and the conclusion of the trial. “Despite three court orders to expedite the trial and multiple interventions from the Supreme Court and High Court, justice remains elusive. The system has failed her, failed us, and failed India’s promise of justice. It has been 21 agonising years since that horrific night, and my family and I are still awaiting justice,” Rashmi said.
“Experts and officials agree that such delays – despite evidence – are extraordinary, even in city’s overburdened courts. For 21 years, my brother and father have travelled back and forth from Canada more than 100 times, pleading for answers. The Canadian government, while assisting with DNA testing, maintains that this is an Indian matter,” Rashmi said.
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