MNS, Shiv Sena Workers Acquitted in 2018 Rioting Case; Prosecution Failed

• MNS and undivided Shiv Sena workers acquitted in a 2018 rioting case.
• The case stemmed from a protest at the BMC 'D' Ward office against a new online permission system for Ganeshotsav pandals.
• Accused were charged with rioting, assault, and mischief after allegedly disrupting a meeting, damaging property, and injuring a security guard.
• Additional Sessions Judge M R A Shaikh acquitted the 21 workers due to insufficient evidence and the prosecution's failure to establish the chain of evidence.
• The court noted material contradictions in witness depositions and a lack of evidence regarding actual property damage or a common object for rioting.

Why It Matters: It underscores challenges in prosecuting political rioting cases effectively.