In a significant development in the controversial Kamlesh Prajapati encounter case of 2021, the Jodhpur Sessions Court on Thursday granted relief to 24 policemen, including IPS officer Anand Sharma, by overturning a lower court ruling that had implicated them in murder charges. The Sessions Court highlighted that the trial court overlooked crucial evidence, including CCTV footage and forensic reports, in its assessment of the incident.
Background of the Encounter
The encounter took place on April 22, 2021, in the Sadar police station area of Barmer. Police attempted to apprehend Kamlesh Prajapati at his house behind a private school. Prosecutors maintained that Prajapati drove his SUV aggressively towards the police, attempting to run them over, including head-constable Meharam, who was crushed under a tyre. Left with no option to save the constable, commando Dinesh fired at the vehicle, resulting in Prajapati’s death.
Contraband Seized After Encounter
A post-encounter search operation yielded significant contraband: nearly ₹60 lakh in cash, dozens of luxury vehicles, illegal firearms, and large quantities of drugs, reinforcing the narrative that Prajapati was allegedly involved in serious criminal activities.
Political Fallout and CBI Investigation
The encounter incited widespread protests and political unrest, particularly from local communities and politicians like the then Pachpadra MLA Madan Prajapat, which led to the case being assigned to the CBI for an independent investigation later that year. After reconstructing the scene, the CBI filed a closure report, stating evidence did not support allegations of a staged killing.
Legal Challenge by Prajapati's Wife
Prajapati’s wife, Jasoda, challenged the CBI report. During the hearing, Jasoda’s lawyer Arjun Singh Rathore raised several questions, calling the encounter fake. The petition alleged that Kamlesh’s name was falsely added to the original case, that the investigation was not impartial, and that the then Revenue Minister Harish Choudhary was not even questioned. An ACJM court subsequently ordered cognisance against the cops in April 2025.
Sessions Court Verdict
Against the ACJM court’s order, IPS Anand Sharma and other accused policemen filed a revision petition before the Jodhpur Sessions Court. The upper court meticulously reviewed the evidence, ultimately concluding that the police’s actions were justified and necessary. The court noted that evidence from the scene indicated the police acted in self-defense to protect a head-constable who was endangered.
