The four were charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code for murder and criminal conspiracy and also under the stringent Unlawful (Activities) Prevention Act (UAPA).
Former Congress CM Chavan alleged that since the NIA works under Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the special court’s order acquitting all seven accused in the case was expected.
Special Judge AK Lahoti of the NIA court observed that the prosecution has failed to bring any "cogent evidence" and therefore the accused deserved the benefit of doubt.