Mohali man acquitted in theft case

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 21

A local court has acquitted a resident of Mohali in a case of theft.

The accused, identified as Baljinder Singh, was booked under Sections 379, 411, and 201 of the IPC in 2017.

According to the prosecution, in a complaint to the police on February 6, 2017, Sameer Chaudhary stated that the accused stole two purses and a mobile phone from Innova parked in the parking lot of the lake and further caused destruction of evidence by breaking the mobile phone and also spending the money.

On the basis of the complaint, an FIR was registered against the accused.

Defence counsel argued that the accused had been falsely implicated in the case. There was no reliable evidence on file to return a finding of guilt qua accused.

He referred to the cross examination of the material prosecution witnesses and argued that there were material contradictions in the statements of prosecution witnesses. Hence, a prayer was made for acquittal of the accused.

After hearing the arguments, the court acquitted the accused.

The court observed: “There is nothing in the case file which can connect the accused with the offence. Thus, the court is left with no option but to arrive on the conclusion that benefit of doubt has to be given to the accused.”

The court order further reads, “The prosecution has miserably failed to establish guilt of the accused beyond shadow of reasonable doubt and accused is clearly entitled for benefit of doubt. Accordingly, accused Baljinder Singh is hereby acquitted of the charge framed against him.”