Calcutta HC acquits man in 2014 Malda murder, flags probe lapses

The Calcutta High Court has overturned the conviction and life sentence of Ram Mandal, who had been found guilty of murdering Panchanan Mandal in Malda in 2014.

- SOUMYADIP MULLICK

KOLKATA:

The bench of Justice Rajarshi Bharadwaj and Justice Apurba Sinha Ray ordered his immediate release, citing major contradictions in evidence and serious lapses in investigation.

According to the prosecution, Ram Mandal attacked Panchanan Mandal with an iron rod near a temple in Balupur and later attempted to fire at him with an improvised gun, sustaining a gunshot injury himself. The victim died the following day while being taken for treatment. Villagers later apprehended the accused, and police claimed to have recovered the weapons from his house.