Agra Court Sentences Woman to Life Imprisonment for Acid Attack Murder
A court in Agra has delivered a life imprisonment sentence to a 35-year-old woman for the brutal murder of her 30-year-old lover through an acid attack in March 2021. The verdict, announced on Wednesday, marks a significant conclusion to a harrowing case that shocked the local community.
Details of the Crime and Court Proceedings
According to Additional District Government Counsel (ADGC) Vijay Verma, the convict, Sonam Pandey, lured Devendra Kumar to her residence under the pretense of repairing a fan. After serving him tea, she allegedly threw acid on him, resulting in severe burns that ultimately proved fatal. Kumar, who was employed at a private hospital, succumbed to his injuries after recording a detailed dying declaration.
In his statement, Kumar recounted, "I lost consciousness after the acid attack. When I regained consciousness, I felt severe pain. Acid also entered my ear." He further revealed that he had been in a relationship with Pandey for four years, only later discovering she was married and living separately from her husband.
Legal Framework and Investigation
The case was initiated based on a complaint filed by the victim's mother, leading to the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) at the Hariparvat police station in Agra. The charges included Section 326-A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for voluntarily causing grievous hurt by using acid and Section 302 for murder. Sonam Pandey was promptly arrested and has remained in custody since the incident.
ADGC Verma elaborated that Kumar, who resided as a tenant in the Shastri Nagar area of Agra, had expressed a desire to marry Pandey, but she rejected his proposal. This rejection is believed to have been a contributing factor to the tragic event.
Court's Verdict and Sentencing
After thorough deliberation, including hearing arguments from both the prosecution and defense, examining witnesses, and reviewing evidence, Additional District Judge Shiv Kumar pronounced the sentence. The court not only imposed life imprisonment on Sonam Pandey but also levied a fine of Rs 40,000. The judgment heavily relied on Kumar's dying declaration, which provided crucial testimony in establishing the sequence of events and Pandey's culpability.
This case underscores the severe legal consequences for acid attack crimes in India, highlighting the judiciary's commitment to addressing such violent acts with stringent penalties. The verdict serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of acid attacks and the importance of justice for victims and their families.
