Thane, Nov 8 A Thane court has acquitted 21 persons in a 2008 rioting and assault case, in which several police personnel were injured and their vehicles damaged.
The incident took place on August 25 that year during Dahi Handi festivities at Tembhi Naka and Tower Naka here.
The Jai Jawan Govinda Group (Jogeshwari) and the Mazgaon Govinda Group clashed over some issue, leading to the pelting of stones and bottles, prompting a police team under Inspector Ramdas Harilal Rathod to intervene to restore law and order.
However, the groups then attacked the police team, leading to injuries to several personnel, while their vehicles were vandalised.
A case was registered at Thane Nagar police station under Indian Penal Code for assault on public servant, rioting, unlawful assembly and other offences. Charges were eventually framed in 2025.
In his order of Saturday, Additional Sessions Judge Pankaj A Patki said the prosecution had failed to prove the accused’s role in obstructing police from performing their duties.
The court also noted that it was essential for the prosecution to prove the accused had formed an unlawful assembly with a common object, but this could not be established.
While the prosecution examined four witnesses, informant Rathod could not be examined as he was untraceable, while several other witnesses had died.
The judge also noted that, by the investigating officer’s own admission, more than 1,000 people had gathered at the spot, which made the identity of the accused crucial.
The police personnel who were injured did not say a word about the accused’s presence or role, the court said while acquitting all 21 persons due to lack of evidence.
