Lakhan Bhaiya’s brother challenges Sharma acquittal

In his appeal,Gupta contended that on November 10,2006,Sharma was in touch with people who were keeping a tab on Lakhan Bhaiya and Anil Bheda,a witness allegedly killed subsequently.

Gupta said this proved Sharma’s involvement in the conspiracy to kill Bhaiya in the staged encounter. Bheda was killed just three days before his deposition in the court as a prosecution witness. Gupta added that Bheda had been receiving threats.

Citing over 40 grounds showing Sharma’s involvement in the case,Gupta asked the court to call upon the state government to put forward its stand on Sharma’s acquittal in the case. He claimed that the court had erred in not appreciating the statements of witnesses in the case and material evidence placed before it.

The 21 convicts sentenced to life imprisonment include six police officers,seven constables and eight civilians. The prosecution said Bhaiya was picked up with friend Anil Bheda from Vashi on November 11,2006. They were taken to Andheri,where Gupta was allegedly killed. Bheda was allowed to go,but was reportedly picked up the next day and kept in illegal custody.