In an ad-interim order, the Bombay High Court has stayed until May 2 the proceedings in the trial involving mysterious death of city resident Ramesh Kini following an appeal filed by two accused against a lower court's verdict refusing to discharge them from the case. The stay was granted on Monday by justice Ranjana Desai, who heard an appeal filed by Laxmichand Shah and his son Suman, landlords of late Ramesh Kini. On April 4, the trial court discharged former Bhartiya Vidyarthi Sena leader Ashotosh Rane in this case but refused to set free the father-son duo. The death of Kini six years ago had created ripples in political circles here with the police questioning Shiv Sena leader Raj Thackeray on his alleged involvement. Sessions judge S P Nikam had turned down the discharge plea of Kini's landlords Laxmichand Shah and his son Suman Shah saying there was sufficient ground to frame charge against them as prima facie case was made out. However, the judge discharged Rane as he felt that there was no sufficient evidence against him. Kini died on July 23, 1996 in Alka talkies at Pune under mysterious circumstances. It was alleged that he had committed suicide as a bottle of cynide was recovered from his pocket. Later, it transpired that he was under threat from landlords Laxmichand and his son Suman to vacate the house. The controversy surrounding Kini's death took a dramatic turn after allegations were levelled against Shiv Sena leader Raj Thackeray for his involvement in the crime. He was, however, exonerated by CBI after investigations.
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