19-year-old Aryan @ Akash @ Ashu Rawat was acquitted in the 2014 abduction and murder of a boy from Ganeshpuri, Mapusa. Charged under IPC Sections 365 (kidnapping), 302 (murder), 394 (robbery), and 201 (evidence destruction) alongside a minor accomplice, the case hinged on a robbery motive targeting the victim’s cash-carrying habit.
Prosecution vs. Defence
Prosecutors built a circumstantial narrative without eyewitnesses, alleging the duo’s involvement. Defence counsel dismantled it, highlighting broken evidence chains and unproven links.
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Verdict Details
Judge ruled the case unmet “beyond reasonable doubt” standards, ordering acquittal, ₹50,000 personal bond (CrPC 437A), material destruction post-appeal, witness returns, and ₹40,510 forfeiture over dubious recovery. North Goa DM notified complainant of appeal rights.
