Cites lack of evidence, contradictions in witness statements
All 42 accused in the Valpoi market shop attack case in 2017 have been acquitted by a court due to lack of sufficient evidence.
According to the prosecution, the incident took place on March 8, 2017, around 8.30 am at the tea shop of Vishant Kudtarkar in Valpoi market. Police had alleged that a mob forcibly entered the shop and vandalised property including a scooter and other materials.
A chargesheet was later filed against 42 individuals.
During the trial, all accused denied the allegations and claimed they had been falsely implicated in the case. The complainant, Vishant Kudtarkar, had reportedly stated that nearly 100 people were involved in the attack and had provided police with the names of some suspects. A witness had also claimed to possess video footage of the incident.
However, during the course of the hearing, Judicial Magistrate First Class Purva Naik observed major inconsistencies in the testimonies of witnesses. Contradictions were found regarding the date of the incident, the number of people involved, and the actual sequence of events. Though police claimed some accused were present at the scene when officers arrived, the prosecution failed to conclusively prove that the accused had participated in the alleged mob attack.
The court also noted that despite claims of heavy damage, crucial material evidence such as the damaged scooter, refrigerator, and other articles had not been properly seized or produced before the court. This weakened the prosecution’s case considerably.
While delivering the verdict, the court stressed that the prosecution failed to establish essential elements of unlawful assembly and mob violence. It could not be conclusively proven whether the mob actually existed in the manner alleged, whether the accused were active members of the mob, or whether they shared a common intention to commit the offence.
The court further observed that statements made by eyewitnesses lacked consistency and reliability. Even the alleged video evidence did not sufficiently support the prosecution’s claims. As a result, the benefit of doubt was extended to all 42 accused, leading to their acquittal.
