Former MLA, 21 others acquitted

AHMEDNAGAR, JULY 29: Former MLA Shivaji Kardile and 21 others have been acquitted of the charges of attempting to murder former MP Dada Patil Shelke and his party workers.

Additional District Sessions Judge S. N. Saidankar gave the verdict here yesterday, acquitting Kardile, Navnath Avhad, president of Vasantrao Naik Corporation for Nomadic and Denotfied Tribes, and others who were charged of assaulting the former MP and his supporters during the campaign for the election of the local marketing committee six years ago.

The case had caused a sensation in political circles in Ahmednagar district. Shelke who was then MLA and his supporters were allegedly attacked on the eve of the election on September 19, 1993 at Imampur village. Shelke and Ajabapu Mate were injured in the assault.