Ex-cop’s poll plan shot down after warrant

MUMBAI: The Bombay high court admitted the state government's appeal challenging former police officer Pradeep Sharma's acquittal in a fake encounter case on Friday. A bailable warrant was issued against Sharma.

The development has put paid to Sharma's plan to contest the Assembly election. Sharma was planning to contest the election from the Andheri east constituency on a BJP or a Shiv Sena ticket. Currently, the constituency, which is represented by Congress minister Suresh Shetty, comprises many north Indian voters. Sharma had been posted in the western suburbs for a long time.

However, he was reportedly unable to convince the top brass of both parties. However, a BJP leader claimed the party was ready to give him Sharma a ticket but the ex-cop was reluctant to contest the election after learning that a Shiv Sena candidate would contest.

Posters of the former "encounter specialist" had cropped up in parts of the western suburbs, surprising many for their resemblance to banners put up by politicians. Sharma was arrested in 2010 by the special investigation team in the Lakhan Bhaiya fake encounter case. However, a trial court acquitted him a year later. The acquittal was challenged in the HC.

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