Thane: A special court in Thane acquitted two accused booked under stringent provisions of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) in connection with a 2023 chain-snatching incident in Kalyan, observing that the prosecution failed to establish the duo’s involvement beyond reasonable doubt.The case stemmed from an incident on Jan 10, 2023, when a woman returning from a temple was allegedly targeted by two motorcycle-borne men near a commercial area in Kalyan West. According to the complaint, the pillion rider allegedly snatched her gold mangalsutra weighing about 20 grams, causing her to fall to the ground. The attackers reportedly threatened her with a knife before fleeing the spot.Police registered an offence for robbery, criminal intimidation and violation of prohibitory orders under the Maharashtra Police Act. During the investigation, authorities claimed to have recovered ornaments and other items allegedly linked to the crime and also invoked provisions of the MCOCA, citing previous cases against the accused. However, during trial, the court found many gaps in the prosecution’s case. While the complainant’s testimony confirmed that a snatching incident took place, the court noted that she admitted during cross-examination that the episode occurred within a fraction of a moment and she did not clearly see the faces of the motorcycle riders.The court also observed that investigators failed to conduct a proper test identification parade of the ‘chain-snatchers’, weakening the claim that they were the perpetrators. Further, evidence relating to the identification of the recovered mangalsutra was found unreliable, with witnesses unable to clearly confirm the identification process. Another key lapse highlighted by the court was the absence of crucial witnesses, which included officials involved in the alleged recovery of the ornaments, which reduced the evidentiary value of the seizure.Given these shortcomings, the special court held that the prosecution failed to prove offences under the IPC, the Maharashtra Police Act and the MCOCA. The duo was acquitted and directed to be released from custody in the chain-snatching case.The court also ordered that the recovered mangalsutra be handed over to the complainant after completion of the appeal period.
