Nagpur: In a major legal development, the Supreme Court of India on Monday acquitted notorious gangster Raju Bhadre in the high-profile Pintu Shirke murder case, more than two decades after the brutal killing that had shaken Nagpur. The apex court’s verdict came following a review petition filed by Bhadre’s legal team, led by senior advocate Siddharth Luthra along with advocates Praful Mohgaonkar and Shubhankar Dabale.
After a detailed examination of the evidence and witness statements, the Supreme Court found inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case and cleared Bhadre of all charges, granting him complete acquittal.
Murder That Shook Nagpur
The case dates back to February 11, 2002, when Swapnil alias Pintu Shirke was murdered inside the Nagpur District and Sessions Court premises. Shirke was attacked in broad daylight while being produced for a court hearing. The audacious killing, carried out in a high-security zone, exposed major lapses in judicial and police protection, sparking widespread outrage at the time.
Investigations later revealed that the murder stemmed from a long-standing land dispute, allegedly involving Raju Bhadre, former corporator Vijay Mate, and their associates. The case soon became one of Nagpur’s most talked-about criminal trials, with multiple arrests and convictions over the years.
Long Legal Battle
In 2013, a Nagpur Sessions Court convicted several accused, including Bhadre, sentencing them to life imprisonment. The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court later upheld the convictions in 2015, confirming life terms for 12 accused. In 2017, the Supreme Court also upheld life sentences for seven individuals, including Bhadre, before granting him bail in 2016 on health grounds pending appeal.
Now, with the latest judgment, the apex court has ruled in Bhadre’s favour, effectively overturning previous convictions after reviewing fresh arguments and evidence.
Reactions and Legal Implications
The acquittal of Raju Bhadre marks a significant twist in one of Nagpur’s most infamous criminal cases. Legal experts believe the verdict underscores the importance of evidentiary precision and procedural fairness in long-standing murder trials.
Meanwhile, the family of the deceased, Pintu Shirke, who had fought a prolonged legal battle seeking justice, is reportedly disheartened by the ruling.
The case once again highlights concerns about security within court premises, protection of undertrial prisoners, and the handling of organized crime cases in Maharashtra.
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