Additional Sessions Judge Y.P. Manathka, in an order passed on Tuesday, held that the statements of the victims, along with those of other witnesses, clearly indicate Tawde’s alleged involvement in the incident
Ritu Tawde. Pic/X
A Mumbai court has rejected the discharge plea filed by city Mayor and BJP corporator Ritu Tawde in connection with a 2016 case involving the alleged assault of two school teachers, observing that there is sufficient material on record to proceed with framing of charges, reported news agency PTI.
Court finds sufficient evidence to frame charges
Additional Sessions Judge Y.P. Manathka, in an order passed on Tuesday, held that the statements of the victims, along with those of other witnesses, clearly indicate Tawde’s alleged involvement in the incident, reported PTI.
“The victims have categorically named the applicant as the person who assaulted them,” the court noted, adding that such evidence is adequate at this stage to proceed with the trial.
Incident dates back to 2016 school dispute
The case pertains to an incident that took place on July 29, 2016, at a civic-run Urdu medium school in the Vakola area of Mumbai.
According to the prosecution, the dispute arose over the sudden transfer of a female teacher who was reportedly undergoing treatment for cancer. The issue led to tensions between the school management and those opposing the transfer, reported PTI.
Allegations of assault and abuse
The prosecution alleged that Tawde, along with six others, entered the school premises and engaged in a heated argument with the management over the transfer decision, reported PTI.
During the altercation, the accused allegedly used abusive language and physically assaulted two teachers. Police claimed that the victims were slapped during the incident.
An FIR in the case was registered on August 11, 2016.
Defence cites delay and denies involvement
In her plea seeking discharge, Tawde argued that her presence at the school was coincidental and unrelated to the alleged incident. The defence also pointed to a 13-day delay in registering the FIR, describing it as unexplained, reported PTI.
Tawde further claimed that the complaint was motivated and that her political position was used to give prominence to what she termed a personal grievance.
She alleged that the complainant acted with malice and ulterior motives to falsely implicate her in the case.
Prosecution stresses seriousness of incident
Opposing the discharge plea, the prosecution argued that the statements of the victims clearly establish Tawde’s role in the alleged assault.
It further emphasised that the incident took place within a school, a space meant for learning and discipline, making the alleged act particularly serious, reported PTI.
Court dismisses plea, trial to proceed
After considering submissions from both sides, the court concluded that the available evidence, including consistent witness accounts, was sufficient to frame charges, reported PTI.
Dismissing the plea, the court ruled that the case should proceed to trial, where the evidence will be examined in detail.
(With inputs from PTI)
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