Overview
- The special MP-MLA court of Judge S R (Satyanarayan) Navander delivered the acquittal on November 7, with the order made public on November 12.
- Reports list either 29 or 36 acquitted, but all accounts include MP Ravindra Waikar and senior figures such as Mahesh Sawant, Shraddha Jadhav, Kiran Pawaskar and Vishakha Raut.
- The court held that the prosecution failed to establish identification of any accused, extending the benefit of doubt after witnesses, including police and a BEST driver, could not name participants.
- The case stems from July 24, 2005, when police alleged 100–150 Shiv Sena supporters gathered near Jakha Devi Chowk in Dadar during protests over Narayan Rane’s move to another party.
- Prosecutors said the mob defied prohibitory orders, attacked police and damaged vehicles and BEST buses, while the court noted injuries and property damage but found the evidence insufficient to link specific individuals.