The special Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA) court, presided over by judge PR Deshmukh, found another five men accused in the extortion case along with Panjabi, thus sentencing all six to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment, along with a fine of Rs5 lakh each.
The judgment passed by a sessions court in Mumbai on Tuesday, convicting Ravi Panjabi, close aide of underworld gangster Ravi Pujari, is sure to create ripples in the underworld.
The special Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA) court, presided over by judge PR Deshmukh, found another five men accused in the extortion case along with Panjabi, thus sentencing all six to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment, along with a fine of Rs5 lakh each.
What are the charges against the accused?
The six convicted by the court are Harshad Maru, Kannu Thakur, Paresh Nepali, Narendra Soni, Hargbahaddur Bhandari and Ravi Punjabi. They are all guilty on charges of extortion, criminal intimidation, attempt to murder, entering into criminal conspiracy and several sections under the Arms Act and MCOCA. In its findings, the court maintained that the prosecution was successful in proving all the charges which were slapped against the accused, on grounds of sufficient evidence.
What happened on July 14, 2010?
As per the prosecution's case, on July 14, 2010, three unknown men approached Mahesh Jewellers, based in Andheri, with the intention of extending threats to the owner, Mahesh Jagwani.
The accused first tried to have a conversation with the watchman of the shop, but when the shop's manager, Prashant Chhabriya intervened, the accused opened fire.
When were the accused arrested?
A bullet hit the left side of Chhabriya's chest, and he was immediately rushed to hospital. The Mumbai police were successful in arresting all eight accused by March 2011, and charges were framed in March 2012.
The investigating officer, police inspector Shashikant Jagdale brought statements of 44 witnesses, who supported the prosecution's case.
What happened to two other accused?
When contacted, special public prosecutor, advocate Ujjwal Nikam said that of the eight arrested, one turned into an approver, while another was acquitted of the charges due to lack of evidence. However, Nikam said that the prosecution was successful in proving charges against all six accused.
Will this be a major setback to the underworld?
He added: “It is a major achievement on the part of the prosecution, as it is the first time a builder, who was working as an under-world syndicate, has been convicted in an extortion case.”
Assistant commissioner of police KMM Prasanna claimed the judgment would act as a warning to people who indulge in such (extortion) business. “This is surely going to be a serious setback for the underworld. It will set an example for people who indulge in such kind of activities and/or help the underworld,” Prasanna added.
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