Lakhan Bhaiya encounter: Shiv Sena comes out in support of convicted cops

Mumbai: Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray on Monday came out in support of the policemen sentenced to life imprisonment in connection with the 2006 fake encounter case of alleged Chhota Rajan aide, Ram Narayan Gupta alias Lakhan Bhaiya. Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Thackeray said the state should have protected the policemen in this case. “These policemen killed a criminal and ideally the state should have protected them. Sena will provide legal help to them and we will also support their family members,” he said. [caption id=“attachment_957881” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray. PTI[/caption] “These goons target common man, and if action is taken against police, then no one will dare take action against them, and ultimately the people will suffer,” he said. A sessions court had on Friday acquitted the former “encounter specialist” and dismissed Mumbai cop Pradeep Sharma of all charges, but convicted 21 others, including 14 policemen. Pradeep Suryawanshi, who was leading the police team when Gupta was killed on 11 November, 2006, was found guilty of murder by Sessions Judge VD Jadhwar. Another 20, including 13 policemen, were also convicted on various charges. With agency inputs