The fear of the 2022 Khargone violence remains fresh for many people. However, the legal case has now reached a different conclusion. A Madhya Pradesh sessions court acquitted all 11 accused linked to the violence. The verdict showed that courts rely on strong evidence instead of claims or emotions. Therefore, the accused received acquittal due to lack of proof.
Ram Navami Celebration Turned Into Violence
On April 10, 2022, Khargone city celebrated Ram Navami. However, the peaceful atmosphere changed into chaos by evening. According to the prosecution, a crowd gathered in Bhatwadi area between 6 PM and 9 PM. The group allegedly carried stones, swords and petrol bombs. Houses faced stone attacks and vehicles were set on fire. Consequently, the area witnessed communal violence. According to an Indian Express report, a man named Idris Khan died during the violence.
After the incident, district administration demolished 16 houses and 29 shops. The action happened across five areas of the city. At that time, Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra said, “The houses from where stones came will become piles of stones.”
Witnesses Failed To Identify The Accused
Police arrested 11 people for alleged violence and destruction. Later, the court proceedings began against them. After nearly four years, the prosecution case weakened significantly.
Eight out of 11 prosecution witnesses refused to identify the accused. Therefore, their statements failed to support the allegations.
Additionally, the forensic laboratory report did not confirm petrol bombs or explosives. Police had claimed that the crowd used petrol bombs and dangerous explosives.
However, the forensic findings did not establish those claims. Hence, the court granted the benefit of doubt and acquitted all accused.
Court Cites Lack Of Evidence In Verdict
Additional Sessions Judge Mukesh Nath observed that the prosecution failed to prove the charges. The court said the case depended mainly on eyewitness statements.
However, those statements came 51 days after the incident. The witnesses also failed to explain the delay.
Furthermore, the witness name did not appear in the FIR or original complaint. Therefore, the court cleared all 11 accused due to insufficient evidence.
Names Of The Acquitted Accused
The court acquitted Ibadat, Sadiq, Abdullah, Saheb alias Sahib, Shahryar, Faizal, Azam, Shabbir, Imran, Mustaq and Rajik.
Police had accused them under charges related to rioting, arson, house trespassing and the Explosive Substances Act.
However, the court found that evidence did not prove the allegations. Therefore, all 11 accused received acquittal.
