Two Acquitted of Murder Charges in Manesar Case After Key Witnesses Turn Hostile

A city court in Gurgaon has acquitted two men accused of murder after critical witnesses retracted their statements. The case, which dates back to June 14, 2024, involved an incident in Manesar where Raja Kumar Jha was allegedly assaulted by Sanjay and his two sons, Gourav and Saurav. The withdrawal of support by the complainant, who is Raja’s brother, significantly impacted the prosecution’s case, leading to the defendants’ release.

On the morning of June 14, Raja Kumar Jha visited Sanjay’s residence in Kasan village. During this visit, Sanjay and his sons allegedly attacked Raja, prompting him to seek help from relatives Rahul Chauhan and Sonu. When they intervened, the situation escalated, resulting in the trio being assaulted and left on the road. Following the incident, a murder case was registered at the IMT Manesar police station on June 15, 2024, invoking sections 302 (murder) and 34 (common intention) of the Indian Penal Code.

The police quickly apprehended Gourav and Saurav, who during their interrogation reportedly confessed to the crime and guided investigators to the crime scene. However, their confessions did not hold up during the trial. Public prosecutor J S Jangra argued that despite the complainant’s withdrawal of support, the evidence presented still indicated the involvement of the accused in the crime.

In contrast, the defense counsel, B S Khatana, emphasized the lack of credible evidence connecting the accused to the scene of the incident, particularly in light of the witnesses’ change in testimony. The court’s decision underscores the complexities often faced in criminal cases where witness reliability can dictate outcomes.

The acquittal highlights substantial concerns regarding the integrity of testimony and the challenges in prosecuting cases that hinge on eyewitness accounts. As legal experts reflect on this case, it serves as a reminder of the critical role that evidence plays in the judicial process. The implications of this verdict may resonate beyond the individuals involved, prompting discussions on the reliability of witness statements in future cases.