Thane Court Delivers Verdict in 2017 Police Assault Case
A special court designated under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) in Thane has convicted nine persons for their involvement in a violent assault on police personnel that occurred in 2017. The court sentenced all convicts to imprisonment already undergone, with eight having spent between four to six years in jail and one serving three months.
Details of the 2017 Incident and Court Proceedings
Special Judge V G Mohite delivered the judgment on Sunday in a case stemming from an incident on June 24, 2017, at Kudsavarewadi village in Ambernath taluka. The violence erupted when police personnel from the Vangani police chowky, operating under the Kulgaon police station, were deployed to maintain law and order following a dispute between rival families in the village.
According to prosecution accounts, police rushed to the location after receiving information about potential violence. Around 10 pm, a group of 10 to 15 individuals allegedly attacked the police team with weapons including sickles, choppers, wooden rods, and hockey sticks. The assault resulted in injuries to three police officials: an assistant sub-inspector, a head constable, and a constable.
The injured personnel received initial treatment at the primary health centre in Vangani before being transferred to Central Hospital in Ulhasnagar and Fortis Hospital in Kalyan for further medical care.
Convictions and Acquittals in the Case
The court convicted the accused under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code:
- Sections 143, 147, and 148 for unlawful assembly and rioting
- Section 324 for voluntarily causing hurt
- Sections 353 and 332 for assaulting and causing hurt to deter public servants from duty
- Sections 504 and 506 for criminal intimidation
However, the court acquitted the accused of more serious charges including:
- Section 307 (attempt to murder)
- Section 395 (dacoity)
- Section 333 (grievous hurt to deter public servant)
- Section 120B (criminal conspiracy)
Significantly, the court also ruled that provisions of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act were not applicable in this case. The judgment observed that the prosecution failed to prove "continuing unlawful activity" or demonstrate that the accused functioned as an organised crime syndicate for pecuniary gain.
Court's Reasoning and Sentencing Details
Judge Mohite noted that medical evidence did not indicate grievous or life-threatening injuries to the police personnel. Furthermore, the court found insufficient material to establish the necessary intent to commit murder among the accused.
Considering the long pendency of the trial since 2017 and the substantial period already spent in custody by the accused, the court awarded a consolidated sentence of imprisonment already undergone. Additionally, the court imposed a fine of Rs 1,000 on each of the nine convicts.
The prosecution was represented by special public prosecutor Sanjay More, while advocates Pankaj Kavale and R P Tajane appeared for the accused during the proceedings.
