A sessions court in Mumbai has acquitted Asif Ali Hasmulla Shaikh, the last accused in the 1993 communal riots case, ending a trial spanning over 30 years. The court ruled that the prosecution failed to prove Shaikh's involvement in the violent riots at Wadala in January 1993. The riots followed the Babri Masjid demolition and killed about 900 people in Mumbai. Additional Sessions Judge M.B. Oza stated, "There is absolutely no evidence to show the complicity of the accused in the said crime." The court also noted there was no identification parade, and witnesses admitted they did not know Shaikh before the incident. None of the three prosecution witnesses identified Shaikh or described his role in the violence. The judge observed that with a mob of 300-400 people, it was hard to tell who actively destroyed property. The FIR said the mob threw stones and burning objects, leading police to use lathi-charge and fire rounds into the air. Four people were injured, and 15 were arrested and charged under various IPC sections. While 14 accused were acquitted earlier, Shaikh had remained absconding for years until his July 2025 arrest. He was later granted bail but the prosecution could not prove charges against him. The court acquitted Shaikh under Section 235(1) of the CrPC, cancelled his bail bond and asked him to furnish a ₹5,000 personal bond under Section 437-A CrPC. The judge concluded, "Accused No.09 Asif Ali Hasmulla Shaikh is hereby acquitted for the offences punishable under Sections 143, 144, 145, 147, 148, 307 r/w 149 of IPC in connection with C.R. No.9/1993 registered with Wadala Police Station."