Thane: Man acquitted in 2019 attempt to murder case

THANE: A 21-year-old man was acquitted by Thane sessions court in an attempt to murder case after the complainant made a U-turn.
Lakhan Jadhav was acquitted by additional sessions judge HM Bhosale from charges of attempt to murder, assault and threatening.
The prosecution had said that on the night of March 3, 2019, the complainant and his three friends were chatting near Chauthali compound area of Bhiwandi, when the accused in an intoxicated state approached them and started abusing them. Upon being questioned he assaulted the complainant’s friend. When the complainant intervened, he slapped him and stabbed him in his neck, throat and ear. A case was registered at Narpoli police station.
The accused pleaded not guilty and in last hearing, the judge pointed out that the complainant has categorically stated that the accused did not assault him. Also, the investigating officer, despite granting the opportunity twice, remained absent.
The judge while acquitting the accused said, “.. the principal witness i.e. informant, who allegedly sustained injuries has denied the incident. The other eye witness is not traceable as he had left his place of residence. The investigating officer also did not turn up. The prosecution has failed to prove guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt.”
— Nishikant Karlikar