Allahabad HC Acquits 71-Year-Old Man in 1981 Murder Case
The Allahabad High Court has acquitted a 71-year-old man, Mofeed, who was convicted in a 1981 murder case along with three others. The court ruled that the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.
Case Background
Mofeed, along with Khalil, Zaheer, and Jainuddin, was accused of murdering Shaabuddin in 1981. According to the prosecution, the murder took place after Khalil allegedly stole ₹56,000 from the victim in Bombay. When a compromise meeting was arranged, the accused reportedly killed Shaabuddin using a country-made pistol and other weapons.
The four were convicted in 1983, but they appealed against the verdict. Over the years, the other three convicts passed away while waiting for the court’s decision. Mofeed, who had been out on bail since 1985, remained the only surviving appellant.
Court’s Observations and Acquittal
A division bench of Justice Siddharth and Justice Ram Manohar Narayan Mishra ruled in favor of Mofeed, stating that the prosecution had failed to establish guilt conclusively. The court noted several inconsistencies in the case:
- The investigation report conflicted with eyewitness accounts, creating doubt about the actual crime scene.
- The murder weapons were never recovered, weakening the prosecution’s claim.
- The postmortem report did not support the claim that the firearm injuries resulted from a single shot, contradicting the witness testimony.
- The lane where the victim was found was muddy, yet the postmortem did not mention any mud on the body.
Due to these inconsistencies, the court ruled that the evidence was insufficient to uphold the conviction. It set aside the trial court’s judgment and acquitted Mofeed of all charges under IPC Section 302/34.
Final Verdict
The court ordered that Mofeed’s bail bonds be canceled and his sureties discharged, confirming his acquittal. The case highlights the importance of thorough investigation and credible evidence in criminal trials.
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