VILAS DAGDU SHINDE Vs. STATE OF MAHARASHTRA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) These appeals arise from a judgment of conviction delivered by Special Court MCOC Greater Mumbai in MCOC Spl. Case No.20 of 2011 on 31.10.2013. The case pertains to an era when life of Mumbai was faced with many extortion cases. It has affected all sorts of businessmen including industrialists, builders, etc. In the case before us, the entrepreneur dealing with travel business was the scapegoat of the extortionist.

(2.) The victim/first informant/PW No.12 was having a travel business office at Sion Koliwada, Antop Hill, Mumbai. His business name was "Sangeeta Travels". There are offices having similar business and other business in and around his office. The first informant was terrorized by showing chopper and he was abducted by Ganesh Shinde - accused No.1. He was accompanied by Ganesh Nichite - accused No.2. They were accompanied by one unknown person whose identity is subsequently disclosed as accused No.4 - Mangesh Chavan.

(3.) Accused Nos.1 and 2 were known to first informant earlier. They were selling movie tickets illegally. The abductors used the Innova car of the first informant. PW No. 11 drew the Innova car as dominated by the abductors. The apparent reason for abduction was extracting huge amount of Rs.5 lakh from the victim. But trial court felt it otherwise. If the ransom could not have been paid the abductors might have committed his murder. They took the victim to Powai. Their companion joined them during journey. He was accused No.3 Abhijit.