Robbery: MNS leaders acquitted

A sessions court has acquitted two MNS activists and seven others in a robbery case after the defence gave a political angle to it. Rajendra Patole (45) and Rajeev Sasane (40)—both local MNS leaders — and seven others were arrested by Deonar police in October 2008 on charges of robbing the Shivaji Nagar residence of one Reshma Khan. They were released on bail later. The prosecution brought in several witnesses,including Khan. Defence counsel Raju Yamgar contended that the duo possibly posed threat to their political rivals as they were active in the area.

Assistant Sessions Judge M J Mirza chose to give the “benefit of doubt” to all the accused.