A Thane court in Maharashtra has acquitted three individuals accused of using a casteist slur, citing insufficient evidence to prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

According to the PTI, Judge P P Muley of the Kalyan Sessions Court acquitted former sarpanch Ravindra Malu Gadge, Kashinath Tukaram Bhundere, and Shantabai Tukaram Bhundere of charges under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, the Protection of Civil Rights Act, and Section 504 (intentional insult) of the Indian Penal Code. The court order, dated November 3, was made available on Friday.