Former MLA Harshwardhan Jadhav acquitted in Atrocities case

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

Former MLA Harshwardhan Jadhav has been acquitted in a case registered against him under the Atrocities Act, in connection with allegations of caste-based abuse and death threats arising from a dispute over a paan stall. Special Judge for cases involving MPs and MLAs, additional sessions Judge Rajesh D. Patil pronounced the acquittal on May 5, 2026.

What was the complaint?

According to the complainant, on February 29, 2020, Jadhav allegedly used caste-based abusive language and issued death threats following a dispute over a paan stall in the evening. A case was registered at Kranti Chowk Police Station under Sections 504 and 506 of the Indian Penal Code, along with Sections 3(1)(R) and 3(1)(S) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 (Crime No. 62/2020).

Hearing and verdict

During the trial, Adv Mayur Borse (representing former MLA) cross-examined the complainant and key eyewitnesses, who denied both identifying Harshwardhan Jadhav and the allegations of caste-based abuse and threats. The prosecution failed to produce strong, credible, and conclusive evidence.

After hearing arguments from both sides, the court observed that the prosecution had not established the charges beyond reasonable doubt. Giving the accused the benefit of doubt, the court acquitted the former MLA of all charges.