Four Men Sentenced to Life for 2014 Murder in Agra Over Financial Dispute
In a significant court ruling, four men from Firozabad have been handed life imprisonment sentences for the 2014 shooting death of their 25-year-old neighbor in Agra. The verdict, delivered by district and sessions judge Babbu Sarang on Friday, also imposes a fine of Rs 34,000 on each of the convicted individuals. District government counsel Rajiv Upadhay confirmed the details of the judgment.
The Fatal Night of May 17, 2014
The tragic incident unfolded on the night of May 17, 2014, within the jurisdiction of the Rasoolpur police station area. The victim, identified as Tariq Ali, was a daily wage worker residing in Durgesh Nagar. At approximately 9:15 PM, Tariq was standing outside his house with his sister when the four convicts—Mohd Nasir, Aftab Ahmed, Wasim Ahmed, and Mohd Kamal—arrived at the location.
According to prosecution accounts, the convicts, who were also daily wage laborers aged between 40 and 45, were in an inebriated state at the time. They engaged in a heated argument with Tariq over a financial transaction, which rapidly escalated into a violent confrontation. During the altercation, Aftab Ahmed allegedly produced a pistol and fired at Tariq, causing him to collapse immediately.
Medical Examination and Cause of Death
The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed to his injuries during treatment. A subsequent postmortem examination revealed severe trauma, including fractures to the right temporal bone and the left temporoparietal bone. The medical report concluded that the cause of death was coma resulting from ante-mortem injuries. Additionally, the examination documented clear entry and exit wounds from a firearm on the head, as stated by district government counsel Rajiv Upadhay.
Legal Proceedings and Conviction
Following a complaint filed by Tariq Ali's sister, a formal case was registered under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code:
- Section 147 (rioting)
- Section 148 (rioting armed with deadly weapons)
- Section 149 (unlawful assembly)
- Section 302 (murder)
The four accused were promptly arrested, and a chargesheet was filed in court within weeks of the incident. They were later released on bail pending trial. After a thorough examination of evidence and hearing arguments from both the prosecution and defense, district and sessions judge Babbu Sarang found the men guilty and delivered the life imprisonment verdict.
The court's decision underscores the severe consequences of violent crimes, particularly those stemming from personal disputes. This case highlights the judicial process in addressing such offenses, with the life sentences serving as a deterrent against similar acts of violence in the community.
