Mumbai Court Acquits Alleged Gang Member in 1991 Attempted Murder Case

Raju Chikana, linked to the Chhota Rajan gang, was acquitted after the victim and key witnesses failed to identify him in court.

Vilas Balaram Pawar, also known as Raju Chikana, was acquitted by a Mumbai sessions court in a 1991 attempted murder case due to insufficient evidence.
The case involved an alleged gang-related shooting of Shaukat Ali Ahamadali in Govandi, reportedly tied to an extortion dispute.
Pawar had been absconding for 29 years after being granted bail in 1994 but was rearrested by police on January 3, 2025.
During the trial, neither the victim nor his wife, both key witnesses, could identify Pawar or the weapon used in the crime.
The court ruled that the prosecution failed to prove Pawar's identity and involvement beyond a reasonable doubt, leading to his acquittal.