Gujarat High Court Acquits Former DGP in 1976 Custodial Torture Case

The Gujarat High Court acquitted former DGP Shabbir Khandwawala in a 1976 custodial torture case, setting aside his 2003 conviction and five-year sentence. The court ruled that the prosecution failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the injuries to complainant Merag Haja occurred in police custody. The state government's plea to enhance the sentence was also dismissed. The case originated from allegations that Haja was beaten during a police search linked to a murder investigation, but key evidence was found insufficient.