Supreme Court: Mohamed Sameer Khan Acquitted Due to Weak Prosecution

Summary: The Supreme Court of India has overturned the conviction of Mohamed Sameer Khan, who was previously sentenced for murder, robbery, and sexual assault. The decision pointed out major weaknesses in the prosecution's case, leading to his acquittal.

Background of the Case

Mohamed Sameer Khan was first found guilty by the Second Additional Sessions Judge in Coimbatore on November 17, 2017. The charges were serious: murder, robbery, and sexual assault of an 85-year-old woman. This decision was supported by the High Court of Madras on October 28, 2021.

The Incident

On December 19, 2016, the elderly victim was found dead in her home in Coimbatore. Her grandson discovered her body early in the morning and noticed that two gold bangles were missing. The case was filed by Sub Inspector Padmavathi at the Rathinapuri Police Station, and Inspector Gopi led the investigation.

Prosecution's Argument

The prosecution mainly relied on indirect evidence. They claimed that: - Mohamed Sameer Khan was seen leaving the crime scene. - Two gold bangles were found with him. - Witnesses placed him near the scene around the time of the crime.

Defense's Stand

The defense, led by Lawyer Madhu Moolchandani, argued that: - The evidence was indirect and not direct. - There were no eyewitnesses. - Important witnesses were not questioned. - Mohamed Sameer Khan was supposedly mistreated by the police.

Key Testimonies

• Senthil Kumar (PW-5): Said he saw Mohamed Sameer Khan near the crime scene.
• Raghavan (PW-8): Claimed to have seen the gold bangles being taken from Mohamed Sameer Khan.
• Akash Saksena (PW-6): Hosted a party the night before the crime, where Mohamed Sameer Khan was present.

Court's Observations

Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Augustine George Masih noted several inconsistencies: - Lack of direct evidence linking Mohamed Sameer Khan to the crime. - No forensic evidence connecting him to the scene. - Uncertainty about how he was arrested and how the stolen items were supposedly found.

Summary of the Verdict

The Supreme Court found the prosecution's case lacking in solid evidence. The sequence of events was incomplete, creating reasonable doubt about Mohamed Sameer Khan's guilt. As a result, the court ordered his release from Central Prison Kovai, Coimbatore.

"The chain of events being sought to be projected is laden with deficiencies creating significant gaps." - Justice Dipankar Datta

This decision highlights the importance of thorough and fair investigations, especially in cases relying on indirect evidence.