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Absentia trial begins in Delhi against UK-based gangster Kapil Sangwan
India🏛️ PoliticsCenter4 hr. ago

Absentia trial begins in Delhi against UK-based gangster Kapil Sangwan

A Delhi court has initiated an in-absentia trial against Kapil Sangwan, a UK-based gangster accused of running an organized crime syndicate linked to extortion, murder, and threats against builders, property dealers, and businessmen in Delhi and surrounding areas. The trial proceeds under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), despite challenges in executing warrants against Sangwan, who is reportedly not present at his residence. The court acknowledged procedural safeguards under Section 356(2) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), including the issuance of two consecutive warrants, local and media notices, and notification to family members. Sangwan, known as 'Nandu,' is not represented by an attorney, and the court has directed the Delhi Legal Services Authority (DLSA) to assign legal representation. The case was filed based on an extortion complaint from Gurcharan, a resident of West Delhi, who alleged receiving threats from Sangwan in July 2023. Investigations revealed Sangwan's involvement through associates, with former Aam Aadmi Party MLA Naresh Balyan implicated in the extortion attempt.

A Delhi court began the trial in absentia of UK-based gangster Kapil Sangwan on Thursday, according to a judicial order issued by Special CBI Judge Vishal Gogne of Rouse Avenue courts. The trial proceeds under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), with Sangwan charged for orchestrating an organised crime syndicate from abroad. The court ruled that there were no obstacles to continuing the legal process despite Sangwan's absence, noting that non-bailable warrants against him could not be executed and his residence remained locked for an extended period. The court acknowledged that Sangwan had not appeared at his premises for a considerable time and affirmed that the procedural safeguards outlined in Section 356(2) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) had been appropriately followed. These safeguards include the issuance of two consecutive warrants, public and media notifications, and informing the accused’s family. Additionally, the court ordered that a lawyer be appointed by the Delhi Legal Services Authority (DLSA) to represent Sangwan, who is not currently represented by any advocate. Sangwan, known by the alias Nandu, is believed to operate from the United Kingdom. His criminal activities reportedly involve multiple cases of extortion, murder, attempted murder, firing, and criminal intimidation. His syndicate, according to police reports, allegedly targeted builders, property dealers, and businessmen in Delhi and surrounding regions through coercion and threats. The MCOCA case against his group was initiated in 2024 by the Delhi Police Crime Branch’s Anti-Gang Squad following an extortion complaint filed by Gurcharan, a resident of Mohan Garden in West Delhi. Gurcharan alleged that in July 2023, he received an extortion call from Sangwan. During the subsequent investigation, the role of former Aam Aadmi Party MLA Naresh Balyan emerged as he was found to be directly involved in the extortion attempt on behalf of Sangwan. The probe revealed that Sangwan operated from abroad while directing these threats through his associates. The Crime Branch concluded that these offenses formed part of an organised criminal syndicate, prompting the invocation of the MCOCA. The FIR, which forms the basis of the prosecution, names 11 other individuals alongside Sangwan, including Balyan. The court’s order emphasized that since all accused except one are in custody, it deemed it suitable to hear submissions on charges on a daily basis. This approach aims to ensure continuity in the legal proceedings while maintaining due process. The case highlights ongoing efforts by Indian authorities to address transnational organized crime networks. As the trial progresses, the court will continue to assess evidence and determine the legal implications of Sangwan’s alleged involvement in these crimes. The outcome of the trial could set a precedent for prosecuting foreign-based criminals involved in domestic criminal enterprises.

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2 reports

Hindustan Times logoHindustan TimesIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 784 days ago
Absentia trial begins in Delhi against UK-based gangster Kapil Sangwan

A Delhi court has initiated an in-absentia trial against Kapil Sangwan, a UK-based gangster accused of running an organized crime syndicate linked to extortion, murder, and threats against builders, property dealers, and businessmen in Delhi and surrounding areas. The trial proceeds under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), despite challenges in executing warrants against Sangwan, who is reportedly not present at his residence. The court acknowledged procedural safeguards under Section 356(2) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), including the issuance of two consecutive warrants, local and media notices, and notification to family members. Sangwan, known as 'Nandu,' is not represented by an attorney, and the court has directed the Delhi Legal Services Authority (DLSA) to assign legal representation. The case was filed based on an extortion complaint from Gurcharan, a resident of West Delhi, who alleged receiving threats from Sangwan in July 2023. Investigations revealed Sangwan's involvement through associates, with former Aam Aadmi Party MLA Naresh Balyan implicated in the extortion attempt.

Bias read (Center): The article presents the legal proceedings against Kapil Sangwan in an objective manner, focusing on the procedural aspects of the in-absentia trial and the charges under MCOCA. It does not overtly favor or criticize any political parties or figures beyond naming those directly involved in the case.

Why factuality (85): The article reports on an ongoing legal proceeding against Kapil Sangwan under MCOCA, citing specific legal provisions (section 356(2) BNSS) and details from the court order. It provides information about the charges, the status of warrants, and the assignment of legal representation. The facts alig

Why objectivity (78): The tone remains formal and factual, focusing on the legal process and court decisions. While it presents both sides (e.g., Sangwan not being represented by an advocate), it does not attempt to balance perspectives beyond what is legally required. There is some emphasis on the seriousness of the cha

Hindustan Times logoHindustan TimesIndependentCenter4 hr. ago
Delhi HC refuses bail to former MLA Naresh Balyan in MCOCA case

The Delhi High Court has denied bail to former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislator Naresh Balyan in a case under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). The court dismissed his plea, citing concerns over a potential criminal nexus between a politician and a UK-based gangster, Kapil Sangwan. Balyan had argued that his continued detention was unnecessary as the police had completed their investigation into him. The trial court previously rejected his bail request, emphasizing the seriousness of organized crime ties. The police allege that Balyan used his political influence to support Sangwan's criminal activities and communicated with him via encrypted channels. This case highlights ongoing legal battles involving political figures and organized crime networks.

Bias read (Center): The article presents the legal proceedings and arguments from both sides without overtly favoring either the prosecution or defense. It reports the court's decision based on legal reasoning and includes quotes from judicial officials, while also detailing Balyan's claims of wrongful arrest. There is

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