2012 DACOITY CASE: MAHARASHTRA COURT ACQUITS 4 PERSONS CHARGED UNDER MCOCA

A special court in Thane district has recently acquitted 4 persons charged under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act for dacoity at a college in 2012.

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Special Judge Amit M Shete of the MCOCA court held that the prosecution has failed to prove the charges against the accused, who need to be given the benefit of doubt and acquitted.

The accused, in the age group of 33 to 50, are residents of Ulhasnagar area in Thane and Nalla Sopara in neighbouring Palghar district.

Another accused person died during pendency of the case and hence the trial against him was abated.

On July 18, 2012, the Special Public Prosecutor Sanjay More told the court that, the accused carried out a dacoity in the office of a college in Bhiwandi area after assaulting the watchmen and tying them up.

The prosecution told the court, that the accused ransacked the office and also looted Rs 1,65,000 in cash.

Advocates Poonit Mahimkar and Pankaj Kavale, appearing for the accused, contested the case and punched holes in the prosecution and police probe into the crime.

In the order, the judge noted the prosecution lastly examined the Thane commissioner of police as prosecution witness who accorded sanction (for charges under the MCOCA).