Decades-Old Kidnapping Case Ends in Acquittal

In a dramatic conclusion to a nearly half-century old legal saga, Virpal Jaswant Walmiki was acquitted in a kidnapping case registered in 1977 at Vitthalwadi police station, Maharashtra. The lengthy trial was largely due to the accused's prolonged absence and eventual classification as a proclaimed offender.

Filed under sections 363 and 366 of the Indian Penal Code, the initial charges alleged that Walmiki kidnapped a 16-year-old girl with intentions of forced marriage. Despite a chargesheet in 2001, formal charges against Walmiki were delayed until 2025.

In his recent ruling, Additional Sessions Judge S.G. Inamdar noted the significant delays and ineffective attempts to secure the accused's presence. The court criticized the prosecution's failure to present sufficient evidence, emphasizing that the lone testimony of a police constable was inadequate for conviction.

(With inputs from agencies.)