22 years after robbery,victim identifies accused in court

Kalia was recently brought to the city from UP.Khana had initially registered a complaint with the Chembur police,which was later transferred to the Crime Branch. The Crime Branch arrested two other persons in the case and produced the seized toy gun and some cash before the court. But Rajan was declared absconding in the chargesheet.

Additional Public Prosecutor J V Kenjalkar said,“Charges under sections 397 (robbery) and 34 (common intention) of the Indian Penal Code and Arms Act have been framed against the accused who was brought before the court after several years. The identification of the accused by the complainant surely strengthened our case.”

Meanwhile,defence lawyer Jayesh Vithlani said,“The cross-examination of the witness is still pending. It has been over two decades. During my cross examination,I will be pointing out several discrepancies in the prosecution’s case”,he said.

Kalia was a small-time goon in Chembur before joining the Chhota Rajan gang. He is said to be one of the senior members in the gang. At present,he is lodged at the Arthur Road Jail in a cell meant for the Rajan gang members. Kalia has several cases of murder,attempt to murder and robbery,pending against him at Navi Mumbai,Thane and in Mumbai.