Nagpur: In a dramatic turn in the longstanding murder case of Swapnil “Pintu” Shirke (alias Pintu Shirke), the Supreme Court of India on Monday, granted acquittal to notorious gangster Raju Bhadre, reversing earlier convictions in the sensational February 11, 2002 killing.

Background of the Case

Shirke was murdered inside the premises of the District & Sessions Court building in Nagpur, allegedly by a large gang including Bhadre, while he was being produced for hearing. The incident shook the city’s criminal-justice system due to its daylight setting and the vulnerability of the victim under court custody. 

The murder stemmed from a land dispute between the Shirke family and accused individuals such as former corporator Vijay Kisanrao Mate, along with Bhadre. Shirke’s mother, Vijaya Dilipsingh Shirke, pursued the matter relentlessly for over a decade to secure convictions. 

Court Proceedings & Earlier Judgments

• In 2013, a Sessions Court convicted several accused including Bhadre, sentencing them to life imprisonment for murder, conspiracy and weapons offences.  
• On June 22, 2015, the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court confirmed life terms for 12 accused and acquitted four. Bhadre was among those sentenced to life.  
• On October 10, 2017, the Supreme Court upheld the life sentences of seven accused including Bhadre and Mate, while acquitting four others.  
• In May 2016, the Supreme Court granted bail to Bhadre in the case.  

Supreme Court has now declared Bhadre “innocent” and freed him of all charges, following a review petition. His legal team—senior advocates including Siddharth Luthra, Praful Mohgaonkar and Shubhankar Dabale—argued the case. The apex court, after considering the evidence and testimonies, ordered a full acquittal.