Innocent Until Proven Guilty: 2 Men acquitted after spending 21 months in jail

The arrested accused were identified as Nanak Chand, a resident of Machhipur, and Deepak, a resident of Ghasmandi.

Bulandshahr: Two persons jailed in the case of the alleged kidnapping of a one-and-a-half-year-old child finally got justice after 21 months, reports Dynamite News correspondent.

The court of Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADJ) IV Pramod Kumar Gupta acquitted both the accused on the basis of lack of evidence and contradictory statements of witnesses.

The case dates back to September 2023. When Chhatarpal, a resident of the Jahangirabad police station area, lodged a report of kidnapping of his son Tushar. It was said in the complaint that Tushar was playing outside the house at around 8.30 pm, when three bike-borne youths reached there. Two of them got off the bike and started running away with the child. Two youths were caught when there was noise in the locality, while the third youth fled from the spot.

Accused Identification

The arrested accused were identified as Nanak Chand, a resident of Machhipur, and Deepak, a resident of Ghasmandi. The police took immediate action and filed a case against both of them under kidnapping and NDPS Act and sent them to jail.

Served Sentence For 21 Months

After spending about 21 months in jail in the hope of justice, the matter came to the notice of the District Legal Services Authority. After this, advocate Ashu Mishra pleaded the case on behalf of Nanak Chand. Serious contradictions were found in the FIR, evidence and witness statements presented in the court. After reviewing these facts, the court acquitted both the accused, giving them the benefit of doubt.

Failed To Present Evidence

The arguments presented on behalf of Nanak Chand stated that he was completely innocent and was framed in a false charge. The court held that the prosecution failed to present solid and reliable evidence, so the accused could not be convicted.

Legal Services Authority

This decision once again proved how institutions like the Legal Services Authority can become a bridge to access justice for the underprivileged sections of society. This case not only highlights the depth of the law and order system but also brings to the fore the need and utility of free legal aid to the poor.