2 get 10-yr RI for assaulting cable operator

A sessions court has convicted two for allegedly attacking a local cable operator from Ghatkopar over business rivalry and sentenced them to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment. The two accused — Sushil Sonawane and Nitin Sonawane — along with one Vijay Akhade, allegedly attacked Ganesh Bhatu on March 29, 2011.

Police said the attack was planned and carried out at the behest of Akhade. However, though the complainant had named Akhade as one of the prime accused, police have not shown him as an accused. The victim, Bhatu, was discharged from hospital the same day.

Defence counsel Ashish Chavan said in court, "Although both the accused were nabbed immediately, their identification parade was conducted around two months later. There are several apex court rulings that say such delays are not acceptable," said Chavan.

The prosecution had based the case on its examination of 12 eyewitnesses. A sickle used in the attack was recovered from amongst scrap material near the attack site almost two months later.

Sessions Judge S Shetye, accepting the prosecution's argument and witness statements, convicted and sentenced both the accused.

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