Thane court acquits 3 auto-rickshaw drivers accused of bid to kill social worker

THANE: Three auto-rickshaw drivers who were accused of unlawful assembly, rioting, and attempted murder of a social worker in 2012 have been acquitted by a court in Maharashtra's Thane district.
The judge, Amit M Shete, gave them the benefit of the doubt in his order passed on April 27, stating that the prosecution had failed to prove the charges against Anilkumar Anantram Nirmal (aged 36), Shivprasad Sitaram (aged 57), and Sunil Ramswarup Sharma (aged 46) beyond a reasonable doubt.
On Sunday, a copy of the order was made available.
Rakesh Saravegi, the victim, used to raise social issues in Thane's Mira Road neighborhood, according to additional public prosecutor Sanjay More.
Additionally, he had brought up a few concerns about auto-rickshaw riders, and the regional transport office (RTO) had issued orders in that regard, including those regarding auto fares.
This was not liked by the accused persons who allegedly attacked the victim with weapons and attempted to kill him on October 11, 2012, the prosecution told the court.
The defence counsels contested the case and argued that the accused were not involved in the crime.
In his order, the judge said the victim has not identified any of the mentioned accused persons. His testimony goes to show that a mob had gathered at the scene of the offence. Due to a dash given by the mob, he fell down and received injuries, the court said.
The prosecution case is based upon the evidence of the victim, who is not supporting the case. Thus, the examination of rest of the witnesses by the prosecution is a futile exercise and the same need not be completed, the court said while acquitting the three accused.
(With inputs from PTI)