The Mapusa Sessions Court has acquitted four accused in the 2011 Baga beach attempt to murder case, citing major lapses in the investigation and insufficient evidence.
The accused—Minesh Munna Kalangutkar, Vikas Govekar, Gautam Raghlo Simepuruskar, and Vivekanand Boby Kalangutkar—were cleared of all charges after the court found that the prosecution failed to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt.
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In its observations, the court highlighted unreliable witness testimonies, the absence of a Test Identification Parade (TIP), and weak forensic as well as medical evidence. It further noted that critical elements such as proper identification of the accused, recovery of weapons, and establishment of motive were not convincingly demonstrated.
Advocate Vinayak D. Porob, representing the defence, successfully argued the case leading to the acquittal.
The court has directed the accused to furnish bonds in accordance with legal provisions in the event of any appeal against the judgment.
