From Mumbai’s “Encounter Specialist” to Convicted Killer: The Fall of Pradeep Sharma
Pradeep Sharma, a name once synonymous with taking down gangsters in Mumbai, now carries the weight of a life sentence for a crime he allegedly committed in 2006. This article explores the rise and fall of Sharma, the controversy surrounding “encounter specialists,” and the long road to justice in the Lakhan Bhaiya case.
Bombay High Court convicts former Mumbai police officer #PradeepSharma in 2006 fake encounter case and sentences him to life imprisonment. pic.twitter.com/KkiZ6qLJub
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) March 19, 2024
The Rise of the Encounter Specialist
Pradeep Sharma rose to prominence in the Mumbai police force during the 1990s and early 2000s. This period saw a surge in gang violence, with the D-Company led by Dawood Ibrahim and the Chhota Rajan gang vying for control. In this environment, Sharma emerged as a controversial figure – an “encounter specialist” credited with eliminating gangsters in alleged shootouts with police.
These encounters, however, were often shrouded in suspicion. Critics alleged that they were staged killings, with police gunning down unarmed suspects. Sharma, however, became a hero to some for his ruthlessness in tackling gangsters, earning him the nickname “encounter specialist.”
The Lakhan Bhaiya Case and the Long Road to Justice
In November 2006, Pradeep Sharma’s encounter narrative unraveled. Ramnarayan Gupta, alias Lakhan Bhaiya, an alleged associate of Chhota Rajan, was killed by police in what was officially termed an “encounter.” However, doubts arose about the legitimacy of the encounter. Lakhan Bhaiya’s family alleged it was a staged killing.
The subsequent trial exposed a different story. The sessions court, in 2013, acquitted Sharma due to lack of evidence, while convicting 21 other accused. However, the prosecution and Lakhan Bhaiya’s brother challenged the acquittal. The Bombay High Court, in a landmark judgement in 2013, overturned the lower court’s verdict, terming Sharma’s acquittal “perverse” and “unsustainable.” The court relied on witness testimonies and a chain of evidence to convict Sharma and sentence him to life imprisonment.
The Shadow of Controversy
The Pradeep Sharma case reignited the debate on “encounter killings” in India. While some see them as a necessary evil in combating crime, others highlight the potential for abuse and the erosion of due process. Sharma’s conviction served as a reminder of the dangers of unchecked police power and the need for robust investigations into alleged encounters.
Beyond the Lakhan Bhaiya Case
Pradeep Sharma’s story doesn’t end with the 2006 encounter. In 2017, he was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with the Antilia bomb scare case and the murder of businessman Mansukh Hiran. These cases are still under investigation.
The Legacy of Pradeep Sharma
Pradeep Sharma’s story is a cautionary tale. It highlights the fine line between necessary force and extrajudicial killings. His conviction signifies the importance of a fair and impartial justice system, where even those wielding power are held accountable. The case also serves as a reminder that the fight against crime cannot come at the cost of fundamental rights.
Further Reading
While this article provides a brief overview, there’s more to explore. Here are some resources for further reading:
- News article on the Bombay High Court judgement:https://www.livelaw.in/high-court/bombay-high-court/bombay-high-court-mumbai-police-encounter-specialist-pradeep-sharma-acquittal-fake-encounter-case-lakhan-bhaiya-252769