Archive · 17 Nov 2025
Delhi Court Acquits Man Accused of Assaulting Constable
A man named Ashish Joshi was accused of attacking a police constable after being caught drinking in public.
The court heard that the constable claimed Joshi punched him and tore his uniform.
However, the court found the police's story hard to believe.
There was no proof that Joshi had a liquor bottle or glass when he was caught, and the place described for the incident had no drain to throw away evidence.
Also, no outside witnesses saw what happened.
The judge said the police didn't try hard enough to find other witnesses.
Because the story didn't make much sense and evidence was missing, the judge decided Joshi was not guilty and let him go free.
A Delhi court acquitted Ashish Joshi of assaulting constable Praveen Kumar in 2016.
Joshi was initially apprehended for allegedly consuming liquor in public near Cross River Mall.
The prosecution claimed Joshi assaulted the constable, causing injuries and tearing his uniform.
The defense argued Joshi acted in self-defense and was allegedly mistreated by police.
The court acquitted Joshi due to the prosecution's highly improbable version, lack of independent witnesses, and material lapses in the investigation.
- Who
- Ashish Joshi (acquitted man), Praveen Kumar (constable)
- What
- Acquittal in a case of alleged assault on a police constable
- When
- September 7, 2016 (incident), November 7, 2023 (court order)
- Where
- Near Cross River Mall, Delhi
- Why
- The court found the prosecution's version of events to be highly improbable and hard to believe, citing material lapses in the investigation and lack of independent corroboration.
Prosecution's Allegations
Defense's Claims
Incident of Liquor Consumption
Prosecution's Allegations
Ashish Joshi was caught consuming liquor in public near Cross River Mall.
Defense's Claims
Ashish Joshi had consumed one beer and was going to buy another when stopped by police.
Assault on Constable
Prosecution's Allegations
Joshi assaulted Constable Praveen Kumar with fist blows to the stomach and nose, and tore his uniform.
Defense's Claims
Joshi acted in self-defense, and his elbow accidentally hit the constable's nose while trying to protect himself.
Evidence and Witness Testimony
Prosecution's Allegations
The prosecution presented their version of events and alleged charges against Joshi.
Defense's Claims
The defense argued that police thrashed Joshi and demanded money. No independent witnesses were examined, and crucial evidence like the liquor bottle and glass were not recovered.
- Accused
- Ashish Joshi
- Victim
- Praveen Kumar (constable)
- Date of Incident
- September 7, 2016
- Location
- Near Cross River Mall, Delhi
- Charges
- Obstructing, causing hurt, assaulting a public servant
- Court Ruling
- Acquitted due to prosecution's improbable and unbelievable version, lack of independent witnesses, and missing evidence.