Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Jun 3: A Bandra court has acquitted two men accused of house-breaking and attempted theft in a Khar West residence, bringing to a close a criminal case that remained pending for more than 17 years.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate V U Misal of the 9th Court, Bandra, on May 29 acquitted Dilip Yashwant Pashte and Anand Gopal Ravrang, observing that the prosecution had failed to establish the charges beyond reasonable doubt.

The case stemmed from an alleged break-in at a residence in Khar West on the night of October 29-30, 2008. Complainant Daulat Makhanmal Luthria had reported that an intruder entered his house, ransacked a room adjoining the bedroom, damaged a balcony glass door and scattered household articles.

However, no valuables were reported missing from the residence.

Based on the complaint, Khar police registered an FIR in February 2009 and initiated an investigation. The accused were subsequently booked under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code related to house trespass by night, theft, mischief causing damage and attempt to commit an offence.

During the course of the trial, the complainant informed the court that he did not wish to pursue the prosecution and reiterated that no articles had been stolen from the house.

The court noted that no independent evidence directly linked the accused to the alleged offence. It also observed that no stolen property had been recovered and that the prosecution had failed to produce sufficient corroborative evidence to substantiate the charges.

Taking these factors into account, the court acquitted both accused, concluding that the prosecution had not succeeded in proving its case beyond reasonable doubt.

The case also draws attention to the continuing issue of judicial delays, with the matter remaining pending for over 17 years before reaching its conclusion.