In a first, a Delhi court will start hearing arguments against Kapil Sangwan, a gangster accused in two cases, under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), in absentia — or, in his absence. The trial pertains to one of the two MCOCA cases against Sangwan, related to his alleged role in running an extortion syndicate. In the July 9 order, Judge Gogne had said: “It is seen that the NBWs could not be executed and his house (in Najafgarh) was found to be locked. Once those requirements are fulfilled, the court can proceed with the trial even in the physical absence of the accused,” she said. Story continues below this adOn July 9, Special Judge Gogne directed that a legal aid counsel be assigned by the Delhi Legal Services Authority (DLSA) to represent the gangster in the MCOCA case.