HC acquits two in Safina Plaza Shootout after 27 years

The High Court of Karnataka on Thursday acquitted the accused in the Safina Plaza shootout that took place on February 11, 1990.

A division bench of Justice Ravi Malimath and Justice John Michael Cunha acquitted Ashok Fernandes and Atik Ibrahim who were accused of killing Murali and injuring his friend Gopi in a shootout.

On February 11, 1990, Ibrahim and Fernandes were on a bike and overtook Murali's car while travelling from Richmond circle to Commercial street.

Murali and his friend Gopi got into a fight with Fernandes and Ibrahim for overtaking his car.  When Murali stopped next to Imran's bike at a signal, he  alighted from his car and got into a fight with the duo.

In an act of self-defence, the duo shot at Murali and his friend Gopi. Murali died on the spot while Gopi sustained injuries. Both Fernandes and  Ibrahim surrendered at the nearest police station and pleaded guilty to the crime.  

A lower court in 2009 acquitted Fernandes and Ibrahim for shooting as an act of self-defence and not with an intention of killing.

The High Court confirmed the acquittal on Thursday.