India, June 4 -- A special court in Thane designated under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) has acquitted 14 men accused of being members of gangster Ravi Pujari's syndicate, citing lack of sufficient evidence.

Ravi Pujari is a notorious gangster who was allegedly involved in various murders and threats to Indian celebrities and businessmen.

The court in Thane held that the prosecution failed to establish the charges against the 14 men, who were arrested by the Thane police crime branch following mobile phone surveillance and intelligence inputs suggesting a plan to rob multiple jewellery shops in the city.

The men were charged with a series of serious offences, including preparation to commit dacoity, membership ...