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Eight Acquitted as Key Witnesses Recant in Assault Case
8 Apr
Summary
- Eight men were acquitted due to lack of victim identification.
- Key prosecution witnesses changed their statements in court.
- The assault victim sustained a skull fracture and brain injuries.
A court in Thane has acquitted eight individuals accused of the attempted murder of a police constable. Additional sessions judge V L Bhosale delivered the judgment on April 6, granting the accused the benefit of doubt. The prosecution failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.
Constable Bhaskar Sonavane was reportedly assaulted with sticks and beer bottles outside a bar in the Upvan area on April 21, 2016. The court noted that Sonavane himself could not identify any of the accused as his assailants. This was attributed to the incident occurring at nighttime and the constable losing consciousness after being struck on the head.
The attack was reportedly a result of a dispute between a hotel owner and a customer. Sonavane, who was at the location to meet an informant, sustained a skull fracture and brain injuries. The court also observed that key prosecution witnesses, including the hotel partner and manager, turned hostile.
