Thane Court Acquits Seven Individuals Charged Under MCOCA in Shooting Case

Thane, 9th December 2024: A Thane court in Maharashtra acquitted seven individuals charged under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) for allegedly attacking and opening fire on several people.

Special Judge Amit M. Shete ruled that the prosecution had failed to provide sufficient evidence to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. The accused were facing multiple charges, including rioting, criminal intimidation, attempted murder, and engaging in organized crime under both the Indian Penal Code and MCOCA.

Special Public Prosecutor S. B. More informed the court that the accused had threatened the informant, who ran a building supply business, and his partners, warning them against conducting construction activities on a plot in Mouje Mohili. On May 20, 2015, the accused allegedly chased the victims’ car on Kalyan-Murbad Road, fired at them, and caused injuries.

Judge Shete noted that the prosecution had not proven the charges against the accused under the Indian Penal Code, which led to the dismissal of the MCOCA charge as well. The judge also pointed out that the informant’s criminal history and his involvement in past violent crimes came to light during cross-examination. Additionally, the court observed that the informant’s actions, including chasing the accused and returning fire, raised doubts about the legitimacy of the incident.

Earlier, in October, the same court had acquitted four members of the Irani gang in a chain-snatching case, citing police negligence and ruling that the accused benefited from the lack of evidence. The court also directed the police to take action against the officers involved. The gang was accused of stealing gold jewellery in Wayale Nagar, Kalyan, on July 8, 2019.