EX-Mumbai encounter specialist cop sentenced to life in fake encounter case

The Bombay High Court has handed down a life imprisonment sentence to former Mumbai policeman Pradeep Sharma for his involvement in the fake encounter of Ramnarayan Gupta, a purported associate of gangster Chhota Rajan, back in 2006.

A division bench comprising Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Gauri Godse deemed the earlier acquittal by the sessions court in 2013 as "perverse" and "unsustainable", emphasizing the substantial evidence against Sharma. The court has directed Sharma to surrender within three weeks.

The high court's verdict not only convicted Sharma but also upheld the life sentences imposed by the trial court on 13 others, including policemen, involved in the murder. However, it quashed the conviction of six other accused, acquitting them of the charges.

This development stems from an incident on November 11, 2006, when a police team apprehended Gupta, also known as Lakkhan Bhaiya, and his friend Anil Bheda from Vashi. The encounter, labelled as "fake", occurred later that day near Nana Nani Park in suburban Versova, resulting in Gupta's demise.

The prosecution, led by Special Public Prosecutor Rajiv Chavan, underscored the egregious nature of the case, asserting that law enforcement officers, entrusted with upholding justice, were directly implicated in orchestrating a premeditated murder. Chavan argued that Sharma played a pivotal role as the mastermind behind the abduction and subsequent killing.

While Sharma's acquittal in 2013 due to a purported lack of evidence marked a setback, the recent ruling signals a stark reversal. Appeals filed by both the accused and the prosecution, alongside the victim's brother Ramprasad Gupta, prompted the High Court to reevaluate the case, leading to Sharma's conviction and the affirmation of sentences for others involved.