Thane, Sep 11 A Thane court on Friday acquitted three persons accused of deterring public servants from discharging their duties.
Ad-hoc Sessions Judge RM Rathod acquitted Pradip Kacher Patil (61), Purushottam Kacher Patil (56), and Ravindra Kashinath Patil (65) in the case, which stemmed from an incident that took place in November 2014 during removal of an encroaching container at Kasarvadavali.
Representing the defence, Advocate Sunil Bhatia said the investigating officer failed to submit a duty list proving the municipal officials were officially on duty, and highlighted that no physical force or assault occurred.
In his order, Judge Rathod said the informant's evidence did not show the accused used criminal force, observing that during cross-examination, the informant admitted "he stopped the work of removing the container" after local residents noted a lack of notice.
The prosecution has failed to establish the essential ingredients of section 353 of Indian Penal Code, the order said giving the accused benefit of doubt.
