Daijiworld Media Network - Thane

Thane, Apr 8: A court in Thane has acquitted eight men accused of attempting to murder a police constable, citing insufficient evidence and the failure of key witnesses to support the prosecution’s case.

In a judgment delivered on April 6, Additional Sessions Judge V. L. Bhosale granted the accused the benefit of doubt, observing that the charges could not be proven beyond reasonable doubt.

The case stemmed from an incident on April 21, 2016, when constable Bhaskar Sonavane was allegedly attacked with sticks and beer bottles outside a bar in the Upvan area. According to the prosecution, the assault was linked to a dispute between hotel staff and a customer, following which a group of 10 to 15 individuals arrived at the spot.

However, the court noted that Sonavane was unable to identify any of the accused, as the incident occurred at night and he lost consciousness after sustaining a head injury. He had suffered a skull fracture and brain injuries during the attack.

The prosecution’s case was further weakened as key witnesses, including hotel partner Rajesh Shetty and manager Naveen Gouda—the original complainant—turned hostile during the trial.

Considering these factors, the court concluded that there was not enough reliable evidence to establish the accuse against the accused, leading to their acquittal.