Mohali Court Clears Two Men in 2016 Carjacking Case
A court in Mohali has acquitted two men accused in a 2016 carjacking case from Zirakpur. The court ruled that the police failed to prove their identity or connect them to the crime. This decision came after a lengthy trial that highlighted significant gaps in the investigation.
Details of the 2016 Incident
Complainant Ravi Sharma reported the carjacking on November 19, 2016. He stated that three unidentified men snatched his car at gunpoint near Gopal Sweets in Zirakpur. The case was registered, and police later arrested Parvinder Singh, also known as Pinda, and Gurpreet Singh, alias Gopi, as suspects.
Key Issues During the Trial
During the trial, several critical issues emerged. Ravi Sharma could not identify the accused in court. He also confirmed that no formal identification proceedings were conducted during the police investigation. The court noted that the stolen car and any robbed items were never recovered. Additionally, no witness could link the accused to the offence.
The prosecution struggled to present solid evidence. Without recovery of the vehicle or stolen goods, the case relied heavily on witness testimony. However, the lack of identification and procedural lapses weakened their position.
Court's Ruling and Reasoning
The court extended the benefit of doubt to both men. It emphasized that the police failed to establish a clear link between the accused and the crime. The absence of recovered evidence and proper identification procedures led to the acquittal. The judge stated that the prosecution could not meet the required burden of proof.
This ruling underscores the importance of thorough police work in criminal cases. It also highlights how lapses in investigation can impact justice delivery. The acquittal brings closure to a case that has lingered for years, though it leaves the original crime unresolved.
