Ramesh Taurani: Not guilty

Bharati Dubey

On 12 August 1997, the Indian music industry suffered from a huge setback. Gulshan Kumar, owner of T-series Music Cassettes and the man responsible for unconventional business tactics, was brutally murdered in broad daylight.

Music director Nadeem Akhtar Saifee (of Nadeem Shravan) and Tips Music chief Ramesh Taurani were the prime accused in the case. Taurani was charged of allegedly conspiring with Nadeem by hiring Dubai mafioso Abu Salem to carry out the murder. He was also charged for paying Nadeem a sum of Rs 2.5 million to carry out the execution.

Nadeem since fled to UK to prevent charges against him. But Taurani fought his cause legally. Now, five years later, the court has dropped all charges against Taurani and has asked the Mumbai police to return Taurani's passport.

On learning about the court's decision to acquit him, an elated Taurani said, "I am really happy. My faith in the Indian judicial system has become stronger today. I have an honorable acquittal from the court. After five years of torture, the judgement has come in my favour. Sach ki jeet hui hai. (It is a triumph of truth)"

Also read:
More reports on the Gulshan Kumar murder case