Mob was armed, says Kadam

Kadam said the SRP van was badly damaged and its rear window shattered in the heavy stone-throwing. The van was also attacked with burning rubber and kerosene cans, he added. Kadam denied that he had asked the rifle section to open fire after a few jawans were injured by the mob. He said normally, a .303 rifle was used by SRP jawans, adding that in certain situations, a 410 Musket is also used. However, jawans are given no training for handling a 410 Musket.

During cross-examination by Sangaraj Rupawate, advocate for Congress corporator Namdeo Ubale, Kadam said the SRP officers are given training in mob dispersal. He denied that on July 11, heasked one of his jawans who belonged to the adivasi community to stay back, and also denied that he had any prejudice against members of the backward community.

Kadam said he did not note details of the rounds fired in the station diary. He said a havaldar of his platoon only gave an oral report regarding details of the firing to him. He said he did not mention the details of firing in his FIR, written reply or affidavit, as he felt that it was not essential.