The ongoing probe against 20 people, including 17 policemen, in the Lakhan Bhaiya encounter case may hit a roadblock after the death of the only prime witness, Anil Bheda.
The ongoing probe against 20 people, including 17 policemen, in the Lakhan Bhaiya encounter case may hit a roadblock after the death of the only prime witness, Anil Bheda.
Advocate Sushan Kunjuraman said: “The case has already been severely affected. The death of the only key eyewitness indicates that the case will further weaken and affect the probe of the special investigation team.”
On the other hand, a few lawyers think that the latest development may help build a strong case against the accused. Senior counsel Majeed Memon said: “The suspicious death of the only eyewitness only compounds the offence and enhances its gravity. Those in the dock would be in deeper trouble if the investigators get any clues against them.”
In November 2006, gangster Lakhan Bhaiya, believed to be a close aide of Chhota Rajan, was killed in an encounter in Versova.
Seventeen policemen, including encounter specialists Pradeep Sharma and Pradeep Suryawanshi, were accused in the case and arrested along with two civilians. Lakhan’s brother and advocate Ram Prakash Gupta filed a petition in the high court, alleging that the victim had been shot dead in cold blood.
Bheda started receiving threat calls earlier this year and went missing on March 13. A body was found in Manor a few days ago. DNA tests proved that the body was Bheda’s.
Rizwan Merchant, who represents prime accused Pradeep Sharma, said: “He would have turned out to be a crucial witness, as we had enough material to prove that his statement invoked very little faith.”
Meanwhile, the sessions court on Thursday adjourned the Lakhan Bhaiya murder case and posted it for Friday. Lakhan Bhaiya’s brother Ram Prasad Gupta would be the first witness.
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