Premium
This is an archive article published on August 24, 2017

Advocate Shahid Azmi murder case: Charges framed against four accused

Shahid, who has represented accused in terror cases including the July 11, 2011 serial train blasts and who was instrumental in the acquittal of two men in the 26/11 terror attack, was shot dead in his office at Taximen’s colony in Kurla on February 11, 2010.

Sri Lankan Tamil high court judge, Sri Lanka high court judge, Tamil high court judge, Justice Manickavasagar Illancheliyan, Tamil high court judge Justice Manickavasagar Illancheliyan, World News, Latest World News, Indian Express, Indian Express News Devendra Jagtap, Pintoo Dagale, Vinod Vichare and Hasmukh Solanki have pleaded not guilty. (Representational Image)

Over seven years after advocate Shahid Azmi was shot dead in his Kurla office, charges were framed against four accused in the case. The sessions court framed charges including murder and criminal conspiracy. The court had on Saturday stated that there is “sufficient ground” to frame charges against the accused. Devendra Jagtap, Pintoo Dagale, Vinod Vichare and Hasmukh Solanki have pleaded not guilty.

Advocate Khalid Azmi, Shahid’s younger brother, who is an intervener in the case, said that though the various applications filed by the accused from time to time led to delay in the trial, he is hopeful that the trial will be concluded soon. “The prosecution was ready with the draft charges in 2015.

The accused had filed for discharge and bail, the hearings for which then took place. I am hopeful though it has taken over seven years, the trial will soon reach its conclusion and the culprits will be served the maximum punishment,” Khalid said.

The main accused in the case, Jagtap, had also filed for bail claiming delay in beginning trial, but it was rejected by the court. Shahid, who has represented accused in terror cases including the July 11, 2011 serial train blasts and who was instrumental in the acquittal of two men in the 26/11 terror attack, was shot dead in his office at Taximen’s colony in Kurla on February 11, 2010. The police had initially booked five men including gangster Santosh Shetty who was eventually discharged from the case.

Two of the accused, Dagale and Vichare, are currently out on bail.The men were booked on charges including section 302 (murder), 120B (criminal conspiracy), 452 (house-trespass after preparation for hurt, assault) and under section 3, 25 and 27 of the Arms Act.

Sadaf Modak is a distinguished Legal Correspondent based in Mumbai whose work demonstrates exceptional Expertise and Authority in covering the intricacies of the judicial and correctional systems. Reporting for The Indian Express, she is a highly Trustworthy source for in-depth coverage of courtroom proceedings and human rights issues. Expertise  Specialized Role: As a dedicated Legal Correspondent, Sadaf Modak possesses deep, specialized knowledge of legal procedures, statutes, and judicial operations, lending immense Authority to her reports. Core Authority & Focus: Her work primarily centers on: Trial Court Proceedings: She mainly covers the trial courts of Mumbai, providing crucial, on-the-ground reporting on the day-to-day legal processes that affect citizens. She maintains a keen eye on both major criminal cases and the "ordinary and not so ordinary events" that reveal the human element within the justice system. Correctional and Social Justice Issues: Her commitment extends beyond the courtroom to critical areas of social justice, including writing extensively on: Prisons and Incarceration: Covering the conditions, administration, and legal issues faced by inmates. Juvenile Justice: Reporting on the complexities of the juvenile justice system and the legal rights of children. Human Rights: Focusing on fundamental human rights within the context of law enforcement and state institutions. Experience Institutional Affiliation: Reporting for The Indian Express—a leading national newspaper—ensures her coverage is subject to high editorial standards of accuracy, impartiality, and legal rigor. Impactful Detail: Her focus on trial courts provides readers with direct, detailed insights into the workings of the justice system, making complex legal narratives accessible and establishing her as a reliable and trusted chronicler of the legal landscape. Sadaf Modak's blend of judicial focus and commitment to human rights issues establishes her as a vital and authoritative voice in Indian legal journalism. She tweets @sadafmodak ... Read More

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

Advertisement
Loading Recommendations...
Latest Comment
Post Comment
Read Comments