Mumbai: In a significant development, the Bombay High Court has overturned the acquittal of former encounter specialist Pradeep Sharma in the Lakhan Bhaiya encounter case of 2006, sentencing him to life imprisonment. Sharma had been previously acquitted by the trial court in this case.
The High Court’s ruling also acquitted six out of the 21 accused, including Pradeep Sharma, in the 2006 case, while maintaining the trial court’s judgment against 11 others. Two of the convicted individuals passed away while awaiting the hearing of their appeals.
All the accused had filed appeals against their conviction and sentences. The state, along with complainant Advocate Ram Prasad Gupta, had challenged Sharma’s acquittal in their appeal. After considering the appeals, the bench of Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Gauri Godse on Tuesday declared the trial court’s judgment as flawed and unsustainable.
The India Today quoted the court as saying, “The trial court has overlooked overwhelming evidence available against Pradeep Sharma.” It noted that the common chain unerringly proves Sharma’s involvement in the case.
Among those convicted by the trial court for murder and conspiracy were policemen Tanaji Desai, Pradeep Suryavanshi, and Dilip Palande. However, it had acquitted Pradeep Sharma. Additionally, 17 others were convicted for aiding and abetting the encounter. However, during the pendency of the appeals, two individuals, including a civilian and a police inspector, passed away.
Lakhan Bhaiya, reportedly an associate of underworld figure Chhota Rajan, was allegedly picked up by a team of Pradeep Sharma team from Vashi along with another individual and subsequently killed in an encounter near Nana Nani Park at Versova in western suburban Mumbai.
This case, fraught with controversy and legal battles, sheds light on the complexities surrounding encounter killings and underscores the importance of upholding justice and accountability in law enforcement.
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