Archive · 15 Aug 2026
Thane court acquits two men in 2016 attempted murder case
There are courts in India that decide whether someone broke the law.
Two men were accused of hurting a father and his son during a street fight in 2016.
The police said the attackers used a sword, a wooden bat and a bamboo stick.
A judge named V L Bhosale had to decide if the two men were guilty.
During the trial, important witnesses changed their stories and said they no longer wanted to make the complaint.
The doctor's report also did not show the kind of injuries a sword would cause.
The judge said the police did not bring strong enough proof, like independent witnesses.
When there is doubt, the law says the accused person must be given the benefit of that doubt.
So the judge let both men go and cleared them of all charges.
Additional Sessions Judge V L Bhosale acquitted Mohammed Khwaja Shaikh (25) and Irfan Abdul Majid Khan of all charges.
They faced charges under Indian Penal Code sections 307, 324 and 34, along with the Indian Arms Act and Maharashtra Police Act.
The case stemmed from a March 25, 2016 clash near Samratnagar Masjid in Mumbra, where the accused, a juvenile and an absconding accomplice allegedly attacked Samshir Siddiqui and Anwar Siddiqui.
Key prosecution witnesses, including complainant Samshir Siddiqui, turned hostile and disowned the FIR, while Anwar Siddiqui's testimony was undermined in cross-examination.
The court cited medical evidence that did not support a sword attack and the lack of independent witnesses, granting the men the benefit of doubt.
- Who
- Accused Mohammed Khwaja Shaikh (25) and Irfan Abdul Majid Khan, acquitted by Additional Sessions Judge V L Bhosale; alleged victims Samshir Siddiqui and Anwar Siddiqui.
- What
- The Thane court acquitted the two men of attempted murder and assault charges related to a 2016 street brawl.
- When
- Verdict reported on August 15; the alleged clash occurred on March 25, 2016.
- Where
- Thane district court in Maharashtra; the incident occurred near Samratnagar Masjid in Mumbra.
- Why
- The court cited hostile witnesses, compromised testimonies and lack of independent evidence, and found the medical record did not support the sword-attack allegation, granting the benefit of doubt.
- Court
- Additional Sessions Judge V L Bhosale, Thane, Maharashtra
- Accused
- Mohammed Khwaja Shaikh (25) and Irfan Abdul Majid Khan
- Incident date
- March 25, 2016
- Incident location
- Near Samratnagar Masjid, Mumbra
- Charges
- Indian Penal Code sections 307, 324, 34; Indian Arms Act; Maharashtra Police Act
- Verdict
- Acquitted of all charges
- Reason for acquittal
- Hostile witnesses, compromised testimonies, lack of independent evidence
- News agency
- PTI