Bhuj Court convicts former Kutch SP in 40-year-old assault case

Kutch : The Bhuj Sessions Court has finally delivered its verdict in a 40-year-old case of police misconduct involving former Kutch Superintendent of Police (SP) Kuldeep Sharma. The case, which dates back to 1984, involved a complaint filed by late Congress leader Mandhara Abdullah Haji Ibrahim, also known as Ibhala Seth, alleging that Sharma had verbally abused, humiliated, and physically assaulted him in the police office.

After a lengthy legal battle spanning four decades, the court found Kuldeep Sharma and fellow officer Girish Vasavada guilty. Both were sentenced to three months of imprisonment and a fine. Meanwhile, two other co-accused officers, BN Chauhan and PSI Bishnoi, passed away during the prolonged legal proceedings. Another accused, Girish Vasavada, was declared innocent by the court.

In 1984, Congress leader Mandhara Abdullah Haji Ibrahim had visited the SP office in Kutch along with several prominent political leaders, including then MLA Kharashankar Joshi, Mandvi MLA Jaykumar Sanghvi, Gabhubha Jadeja, and Shankar Govindji Joshi. They were there to discuss a case registered in Naliya when a heated argument broke out.

It was alleged that then-SP Kuldeep Sharma insulted, abused, and later called his fellow officers to physically assault Ibhala Seth. As a result, he sustained injuries. The incident led to an immediate response from advocate MB Sardar, who was part of the delegation. He filed a complaint against Sharma and four other officers in the Chief Judicial Court of Bhuj.

The case dragged on for decades, with multiple delays and legal hurdles. Over the years, several legal representatives took over the case. In 2020, following the demise of complainant’s lawyer MB Sardar, advocate RS Gadhvi took over as the main counsel. He ensured that the case progressed towards its final hearing.

During the proceedings, the court considered multiple testimonies and evidence. Finally, on January 28, 2025, the final hearing was concluded, and the verdict was pronounced on February 10, 2025—a staggering 40 years after the initial complaint was filed.

Following the court’s ruling, Iqbal Mandhara, son of the late complainant, expressed his satisfaction with the verdict. Standing outside the Bhuj court premises, he celebrated by distributing sweets to supporters.

Speaking to the media, Iqbal Mandhara said, “Justice delayed is justice denied, but we are happy that, after 40 years, the truth has been acknowledged. My father fought for justice, and today, we finally see a verdict that holds those responsible accountable.”

Advocates representing Kuldeep Sharma and the other accused argued that the prosecution had failed to provide substantial evidence. However, the court ruled that public officials are not exempt from legal scrutiny and must be held accountable, regardless of their position.