Chhota Rajan Gang member found not guilty in 1991 attempt to murder case
Mumbai court clears Chhota Rajan gang member in 1991 attempted murder case due to lack of evidence. Get all the updates here
Mumbai: A Mumbai sessions court has cleared 62-year-old Vilas Balaram Pawar, alias Raju Chikana, an alleged member of the notorious Chhota Rajan gang, in a 1991 attempt to murder case. The court decided to acquit him as the prosecution failed to provide conclusive evidence linking Pawar to the crime.
This case actually originated in 1991 when Pawar and three other alleged gang members allegedly opened fire on Shaukat Ali Ahamadali outside his Govandi home. The attack was said to be linked to an extortion dispute involving co-accused Ganeshsingh Thakur and the victim’s family. Ahamadali’s wife, Mariambi Shaikh, lodged a complaint and it resulted in a case being registered.
Pawar was arrested in October 1992, but he went absconding after securing bail. His case was separated from the others, and he remained at large for 16 years. The Deonar police rearrested him on January 3, 2025, and brought him to trial.
During the trial, the case of the prosecution weakened when the victim, Ahamadali, failed to identify Pawar in court. Moreover, Ahamadali’s wife, Shaikh, did not support the claim of the prosecution about the identity of Pawar.The court pointed out that evidence indeed proved the incident but did not prove the involvement of Pawar.
The court ruled, “The prosecution may be true, but it has failed to bridge the gap between ‘may be true’ and ‘must be true’ concerning the identity and involvement of the accused.” This led to Pawar’s acquittal of all charges-a vital reminder, especially in a criminal trial-victim and witness testimonies make a difference; a prosecution is expected to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
