Special Court Acquits 28 Shiv Sena Leaders and Workers in 2005 Riots Case

GG News Bureau
Mumbai, 11th April. After nearly 19 years since the incident, a special court in Mumbai has acquitted 28 leaders and workers of the Shiv Sena (then undivided) who were booked for rioting in 2005. The court’s decision, delivered on Wednesday, cited several discrepancies in the prosecution’s case.

Among those acquitted are prominent figures such as Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anil Desai and Ravindra Waikar, both of whom recently joined the Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

Special Judge R N Rokade, presiding over cases involving Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs), noted significant inconsistencies in the prosecution’s narrative. Discrepancies ranged from differing accounts provided by prosecution witnesses to the absence of medical evidence and the lack of seized items related to the alleged destruction of properties.

The incident in question occurred during a rally organized in suburban Dadar on July 24, 2005, following the expulsion of Shiv Sena leader Narayan Rane from the party. At the time, supporters of both Narayan Rane and Uddhav Thackeray were holding rallies in Dadar. The situation escalated when Shiv Sena supporters reportedly disrupted a gathering addressed by Rane, resulting in a clash between the two factions.

According to the prosecution, Sena workers sustained injuries during the altercation and subsequently gheraoed the Dadar police station, attempting to obstruct vehicular movement in the area. Police responded with a lathi-charge, prompting Sena workers to retaliate by pelting stones at the police inspector’s cabin, damaging property, and causing injuries to police personnel.

Subsequently, police registered a case against the protesting Sena workers under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including charges related to unlawful assembly, rioting, and assault on public servants.