24 April,2009 05:28 PM IST | | PTI
A special MCOCA court on Friday dropped charges under MCOCA in the murder case of matka king Suresh Bhagat.
Suresh Bhagat was allegedly murdered by his wife Jaya Bhagat, son Hitesh Bhagat and five others in June last year. The seven accused were booked under the stringent provisions of Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) after investigations revealed that they had hatched a conspiracy to eliminate Suresh Bhagat.
Jaya Bhagat however filed an application challenging MCOCA in the case. "The prosecution has failed to provide any evidence that this is an organised crime and that the accused are part of an organised gang," Jaya's lawyer Shirish Gupte said.
The court on Friday upheld the defense arguments and has dropped MCOCA charges from the case. The seven accused will now be tried under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Arms Act.
ALSO READ
MCOCA invoked against 2 interstate gangsters held for chain-snatching
MCOCA invoked against 2 interstate gangsters held for chain-snatching
Thane court acquits 4 booked under MCOCA in robbery case
Gangster Arun Gawli's release: SC to hear Maharashtra govt's plea on June 3
Thane court acquits three booked under MCOCA in robbery case
Bhagat was killed in a road accident on June 13 last year when a truck rammed into his SUV in the neighbouring Raigad district.
