A special MCOCA court in Mumbai has recently refused to grant bail to four members of Ravi Pujari gang arrested in connection with planning to assassinate film director Mahesh Bhatt.
A special MCOCA court in Mumbai has recently refused to grant bail to four members of Ravi Pujari gang arrested in connection with planning to assassinate film director Mahesh Bhatt.
Mohammed Hasant Khan, Firoz Sayyed, Ashfaque Sayyed alias Bachkana and Anis Merchant had applied for bail on the ground that they are innocent and have not committed any offence as alleged by the prosecution. They said the investigating agency has not collected any incriminating material against them.
Their lawyers also submitted that the investigation is complete and chargesheet filed; they are languishing in jail since November 16, 2014, and hence they may be enlarged on bail.
They also sought bail on ground of parity saying co-accused Ravi Jagdamba Singh had been enlarged on bail by this court in 2015 and the role played by Singh and applicants are same.
The prosecution objected to the bail plea saying that there is sufficient prima facie evidence collected by the investigating officer against present accused to prove their involvement in the crime. The accused conspired to kill Morani brothers as well as Mahesh Bhatt. They indulged in continuous unlawful activities by forming organised crime syndicate and they were apprehended when they were prepared to assault Bhatt on November 15, 2014.
At the time of arrest the police seized mobiles, SIM cards and pistols from the accused and during investigation, two have given confessional statement. After hearing arguments, special MCOCA judge V.V. Patil rejected the bail application of all four accused.
