The Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Court in Mapusa has reserved its judgment in the 2013 Dhargal-Pernem toll booth vandalism case involving Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane. The verdict is scheduled to be delivered on July 16, 2026, at 2.30 pm, following the conclusion of final arguments from both the prosecution and the defence.
The case pertains to the alleged vandalism of a toll booth at Dhargal in Pernem during a protest in 2013. The matter has remained pending before the court for several years before reaching the final stage of trial.
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After hearing submissions from both sides, the court reserved its order and fixed next week for pronouncement of judgment. The case has drawn attention due to Rane’s political profile and the length of time it has remained before the judiciary.
The prosecution has sought to establish Rane’s alleged involvement in the incident, while the defence has contested the allegations and argued for his acquittal. With the trial now complete, the court will decide whether the evidence on record is sufficient to establish the charges.
The verdict, expected on July 16, will bring an end to legal proceedings that have continued for over a decade. The outcome is likely to be closely watched, given the case’s political significance and the prominence of the accused in Maharashtra politics.
