2 convicted, 10 let off in RPI leader murder case in Mumbai

The Vasai sessions court on Tuesday convicted two accused and acquitted 10 in the murder case of Nalasopara Republican Party of India (RPI) leader.

Judge Shrirang Khairnar let off the 10 due to lack of evidence by the Thane rural police.

On January 29, 2009, Pravin Dhule, 27, a youth leader from Republican Party of India was shot dead outside his office. Later, the party workers allegedly vandalised the city creating unrest in parts of the region. Sikandar Shaikh alias Sikka (28) , Anil Singh (31) and 10 others were arrested .
Heavy police force along with Riot Control Police were posted to maintain law and order outside the court as the RPI party workers thronged in hundreds of number to hear the verdict. “They will be either get life imprisonment or death. The quantum of sentence will be declared on Thursday after hearing the arguments. The 10 accused were let off due to lack of evidence as witnesses could not confirm their role in the murder,” said Santosh Dhule, brother of Pravin.

“We will appeal in the high court so that all the accused are punished,” he added.