In a significant judgement, a Thane court has acquitted ten individuals accused of murder in a 2016 case, citing substantial errors by the investigating agency and inconsistencies in the prosecution’s evidence.

The accused, charged with murder, rioting, and offences under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), were cleared by Special MCOCA Court Judge Amit M Shete. In a 56-page judgement delivered on 19th December, after a trial lasting over seven years, the court observed that the prosecution failed to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt. A copy of the judgement was made available on Monday.