Court rejects bail plea of 2 for alleged role in murder

Mumbai: A sessions court in Dindoshi has rejected the bail applications of two persons arrested for their alleged role in the murder of a man, who was assaulted for tearing up posters put up to congratulate a local businessman on his birthday in Sakinaka. The 23-year-old deceased, Akash Landge was allegedly annoyed with the posters and tore some of them, as a result of which he came under a deadly attack by the businessman's supporters including his brother.

The incident took place on November 7, 2017 when at around 1.45 am somebody knocked Landge's door. Later, he was found to be admitted in Rajawadi hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.

Namdeo Dighe and Vinit Korade had moved the bail plea on the grounds that deceased Landge was a notorious criminal having various criminal cases pending against him. He was externed from Mumbai, Thane and Raigad but still he used to visit Sakinaka illegally.

According to the applicants though the deceased didn't have any concern with Bhau Shetty, on whose birthday posters were displayed, and his well-wishers but still he asked his associates to tear the posters.

They contended that there are no eyewitnesses to the incident. All witnesses whose statements are recorded are close to deceased so their statements should not be relied upon.

The judge Khwaja F.M. however, rejected their bail pleas observing that applicant Namdeo is a history sheeter having past criminal antecedents. Prima facie it appears to be a pre-planned assault. There were 49 injuries shown in the post mortem that indicates intentional motive to eliminate Landge. Eyewitness to the incident Aniket was also assaulted and there are complaints of threats to witnesses. There were around 15 persons who assaulted Landge but only five are under arrest.