Justice after two decades: man acquitted in 2001 Thane robbery case

Recently, a court in Thane district of Maharashtra acquitted 43-year-old man Mohamad Sajid Iliyas Shaikh in a 2001 robbery case, citing lack of compelling evidence.

Additional Sessions Judge Premal S. Vithalani, presiding over the case, issued the ruling on November 18, emphasizing that the prosecution had not provided any substantiation of the charges against Shaikh. As a result, he was awarded a dubious benefit and acquitted after a long, 18-year trial.

The case involved the alleged attack on Chhaya Rajan Ghadge, who was reportedly threatened with a knife and deprived of a mangalsutra worth Rs 12,000 by two motorcycle-borne assailants in Thane’s Kalwa area. Significant discrepancies in the evidence, including unsigned documents and failure to interview key witnesses, led to Sheikh’s eventual acquittal.

(With the participation of the agency).