Mumbai Court Delivers Verdict in 13-Year-Old Assault Case
A sessions court in Mumbai has recently convicted an autorickshaw driver for a violent assault on a BEST bus driver that occurred over thirteen years ago. The court found Vikas Shinde guilty of deterring a public servant from his duty and causing hurt, imposing a sentence of six months of simple imprisonment along with a monetary fine.
Details of the 2012 Confrontation
The incident took place on the evening of December 16, 2012, near the Madina Masjid bus stop in Parksite, Vikhroli. According to the prosecution, Ramesh Gholap was operating a bus on route 387 when Shinde obstructed the path with his autorickshaw. Shinde then boarded the bus, verbally abused Gholap, and struck his left arm with an iron rod. He further used the rod to smash the bus's left headlight, causing damage to the vehicle.
Court Proceedings and Defense Arguments
During the trial, the defense argued that there was an inordinate four-day delay in filing the police report, which could have affected the case's credibility. However, the court accepted Gholap's explanation that he was unwell following the assault, leading to the delay. Additional Sessions Judge R J Pawar emphasized that the testimonies of the bus driver and the conductor, who served as an eyewitness, were "credible, trustworthy and confidence inspiring".
The court's decision underscores the importance of protecting public servants and ensuring justice even in cases with significant time lapses. This conviction serves as a reminder of the legal consequences for acts of violence against those performing their duties.
