Fake Encounter Conviction Upheld by Bombay High Court: Ex-Cop Pradeep Sharma Sentenced to Life
In a landmark decision, the Bombay High Court upheld the conviction of former Mumbai Police encounter specialist Pradeep Sharma and 13 others, including 12 police personnel, in the case of the fake encounter killing of Lakhan Bhaiya in 2006. Here are the key highlights:
- Sentence Upheld: Pradeep Sharma was sentenced to life imprisonment, along with the other convicted police officers. This marks the first-ever conviction of police officers in a fake encounter case.
- Judicial Decision: The High Court, comprising Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Gauri Godse, upheld the life sentences awarded to 13 convicts and acquitted six civilians. The court lamented the death of the sole eyewitness, Anil Bheda, before his deposition in 2011, expressing disappointment that no one has been held accountable for his murder.
- Rejection of Acquittal: Pradeep Sharma, previously acquitted by the trial court, had his acquittal overturned by the High Court. The court criticized the trial judge’s decision, stating that relevant evidence had been overlooked, and deemed Sharma’s acquittal unsustainable.
- Case Background: Lakhan Bhaiya, alias Ramnarayan Gupta, was allegedly abducted and killed in a staged police encounter in Versova in 2006. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) accused Pradeep Sharma of leading the encounter, orchestrated with the intention to eliminate Bhaiya.
- Legal Proceedings: Despite challenges during the trial, including the disappearance of the prime eyewitness and skepticism regarding ballistic evidence, the court upheld the prosecution’s case, emphasizing the gravity of police officers engaging in staged encounters.
- Pradeep Sharma’s Profile: Pradeep Sharma, known as an “encounter specialist,” faced allegations of links with the underworld and was previously dismissed from the police force. His acquittal in 2013 was followed by subsequent arrests in connection with other criminal cases.
This decision by the Bombay High Court signifies a crucial milestone in holding law enforcement officers accountable for extrajudicial actions. It underscores the judiciary’s commitment to upholding justice and restoring public trust in the legal system.
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