Panaji: A Vapoi court has acquitted 43 individuals in a 12-year-old incident involving unlawful assembly, rioting, and house trespass following the suicide of a boy. Three of the accused died during the course of the trial.
Prosecution's Allegations
According to the prosecution, the accused formed an unlawful assembly at Valpoi market, trespassed into the shop of the husband of the complainant, and damaged goods there. The mob then trespassed into the tea stall of the brother-in-law, causing further damage to food items and four two-wheelers parked outside the shop. They also dragged a freezer onto the road and damaged windows and showcase glasses.
Court's Observations
The court stated that the prosecution failed to establish that the accused formed an unlawful assembly, committed mischief, trespassed, and damaged articles. The prosecution could not prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Although video clips were presented, the court noted that the creation of these clips was doubtful, and therefore the case was not proven.
The court also observed that the fridge and damaged scooters were not attached as evidence, and there was nothing on record to show the alleged damage claimed by the complainant. Furthermore, the video clip showed more than 100 people, but there was no explanation as to why only these 43 were charged, leaving aside other accused persons.
In light of these findings, the court acquitted all remaining accused individuals.
