Agra : A local court in Agra has acquitted a 55-year-old man 28 years after he was accused of stealing a pig, holding that the prosecution failed to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt after its sole witness turned hostile.
Kumar said the men caught a pig, tied it up and loaded it into the vehicle. Hearing the animal squeal, he and other residents rushed to the spot, surrounded the vehicle and caught the three men, after which the pig was recovered from the auto-rickshaw.
Speaking on his acquittal, Kishan said, “This case remained hanging over my life for many years, causing immense mental stress and hardship to me and my family. I am thankful that truth has finally prevailed.”
The court observed that the case dated back to 1998 and that the prosecution had since been given sufficient opportunities to produce its witnesses.
“Despite this, the prosecution could examine only one witness, who stated that he had not seen anyone stealing pigs and had no prior knowledge of the case,” the court said. Holding that suspicion, however strong, could not take the place of proof, the court said Kishan was entitled to benefit of doubt and acquitted him. The case remained pending for years. Of the three accused, Sanjeev died during the trial, while the court separated the case against another accused, Moti. Kishan alone eventually faced trial. The court noted that despite repeated opportunities and the issuance of summonses and non-bailable warrants, the prosecution could not produce other key witnesses — several of whom had died, while others could not be traced.