Court acquits Godmother Santokben Jadeja, 8 others in murder case

Porbandar, Dec 11 (UNI) A court here today acquitted nine persons, including former MLA of Kutiyana Santokben Jadeja alias 'Godmother' and her son Kandhal, accused of killing a rickshaw driver Prakash Amrutlal Modha nearly 11 years ago, for lack of evidence.

Judge L S Nakrani absolved 'Godmother' Santokben Jadeja, her son Kandhal, Jetha Bhaya Mer, Raja alias Jakhra Mer, Purandas Haridas, Masri Karsan Mer, Jetha Menand Mer, Shamla Mulu Mer and Harbham Suka Mer of the charge of killing the rickshaw driver.

According to the prosecution, the auto driver, Pakash Amrutlal Modha, a resident of Bokhira area of the city, was allegedly beaten to death by Santokben Jadeja's men on August 2, 1995.

Subsequently, twelve people, including Santokben and her son Kandhal, were arrested by the police.

Later, the accused were released on bail. Two of the accused -- Nebha Malde and Karsan Balu -- are absconding since then, while another accused Lila Parbat died some years ago.

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