JMFC Court cites lack of sufficient evidence and deficiencies in investigation while discharging Ladu Chandrakant Sawant and seven others.
The Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Court in Pernem has discharged Ladu Chandrakant Sawant and seven other accused in connection with the Shree Devi Bhumika Temple sanctum lock-change case that was registered in October 2024.
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In its order, the court held that the prosecution had failed to place sufficient material on record to proceed against the accused. The court further observed that the investigation was not conducted properly before the charge sheet was filed.
The case pertained to the alleged changing of the lock of the sanctum at the Shree Devi Bhumika Temple, an incident that had sparked considerable attention and led to the registration of a criminal case in October last year.
After examining the material presented by the prosecution, the court concluded that there was insufficient evidence to frame charges against the accused persons. The court also noted shortcomings in the manner in which the investigation was carried out.
As a result, Ladu Chandrakant Sawant and the seven co-accused have been discharged from the case.
The ruling underscores the importance of thorough investigations and the requirement for adequate evidence before criminal proceedings can be sustained in court.
