Trial proceedings in Ambedkar Nagar firing case adjourned to Nov 22

Mumbai, Nov 1 (UNI) The trial proceedings in the Mata Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar firing case was today adjourned till November 22, following the start of Diwali vacation for the court.

On July 11, 1997, riots erupted at Mata Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar in the eastern suburb of Ghatkopar following defacement of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar's statue. To control the rampaging mob, State Reserve Police (SRP) sub-inspector Manohar Kadam had ordered to open fire on the mob, in which at least ten people were killed.

The trial in the case was to begin on October 18, ten years after the occurrence of the incident, in Sewri court before Additional Sessions Judge B D Khatavkar.

Earlier, prosecution had examined Manohar Gokhale, deputy secretary in the Home department, as first witness, for he had given sanction to prosecute the accused person (Kadam).

He had told the court that, on the basis of Gundewari committee report, a prima facie case was made out against the accused.

On the basis of which, he had given sanction to prosecute him.

After a thorough inquiry in the case, Kadam was prosecuted under section 304 (II) culpable homicide not amounting to murder. However, the victims' family members have been demanding for his prosecution under section 302 (murder).

UNI