In a first, trial in absentia begins today in Delhi against absconding gangster

5 min readNew DelhiJul 30, 2026 04:35 AM IST Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi. In a first, a Delhi court will start hearing arguments Thursday against Kapil Sangwan, a gangster accused in two cases under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), in absentia — or, in his absence. Sangwan has been declared absconding and is believed to be in London. In an order issued on July 9, Special Judge Vishal Gogne of Rouse Avenue Court permitted the trial to proceed in “absentia” under Section 356 (Inquiry, trial or judgment in absentia of proclaimed offender) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).The trial pertains to one of the two MCOCA cases against Sangwan, related to his alleged role in running an extortion syndicate. According to new norms, a person accused of a crime can b