In a significant verdict, the district and sessions court of Hisar has sentenced nine individuals to life imprisonment in connection with the murder of Jai Singh, also known as Dholiya, a case that dates back over eight years. District and sessions judge Alka Malik also imposed fines of Rs 1 lakh each on seven convicts and Rs 1.3 lakh on two others.
Details of the Case
The incident occurred on November 2, 2017, under the jurisdiction of the city police station in Hisar. According to the prosecution, a conspiracy to murder Jai Singh was hatched at the residence of one of the accused, Radhey Shyam. Later that evening, around 4:30 pm, the victim was lured to a liquor vend near Telyan Pul, where the accused opened fire on him. Jai Singh sustained five bullet wounds and succumbed to his injuries while being taken to the hospital.
Evidence and Conviction
Despite two key witnesses turning hostile, the court relied on strong documentary, medical, and forensic evidence to convict the accused. The complainant, Sunil, and witness Ratan retracted their earlier statements during the trial. However, the testimony of the victim's brother, Dharampal, was found credible by the court. Advocate Manmohan Rai, representing the complainant, emphasized that a case does not weaken merely because witnesses turn hostile if other evidence proves the charges. Medical reports and findings from the Forensic Science Laboratory confirmed that the bullets recovered matched the weapons seized from the accused. The court observed that the nature and location of injuries clearly established the intent to kill. Furthermore, the broad daylight execution of the crime in a crowded area reflected the accused's criminal intent.
Acquittals
Two accused individuals, Sher Singh and Amit, were acquitted due to the benefit of doubt. The court noted that while the evidence against them was insufficient, the remaining nine were found guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
This verdict underscores the judiciary's commitment to delivering justice even in complex cases where witnesses may turn hostile. The life sentences serve as a strong deterrent against such heinous crimes.
