In a major decision, the Bombay High Court has overturned the acquittal of former Mumbai Police officer Pradeep Sharma in an 18-year-old fake encounter case and sentenced him to life in prison. The court also upheld the life sentence for 13 other accused, including 12 policemen, in the killing of an alleged member of a mafia syndicate. The judges criticized the trial court's decision to acquit Sharma, stating that overwhelming evidence proves his involvement in the fake encounter. The court also expressed concern over the gruesome death of the sole eyewitness in the case, hoping for justice in his murder.
In a major development in the 2006 fake encounter case, Bombay High Court has handed life imprisonment to Pradeep Sharma, a former Mumbai police officer known as an "encounter specialist". The court has also upheld the convictions of 12 other police personnel and a civilian, while acquitting three civilians. However, it noted the failure of the police to investigate the abduction and murder of a prime witness in the case, and called for further investigation. The verdict brings some closure to the case that saw a rival gang member allegedly paying the policemen to kill Lakhan Bhaiya.
After years of court proceedings, the Bombay High Court has upheld the life imprisonment for 13 individuals, including 12 police officers, involved in the 2006 fake encounter killing of former gangster aide Lakhan Bhaiya. Additionally, the court has sentenced former Mumbai Police senior inspector Pradeep Sharma, who was previously acquitted, to life imprisonment. The court also expressed regret over the murder of sole eye witness Anil Bheda before giving testimony and hopes that his perpetrators will be prosecuted.