Etah Court Imposes Life Sentence for 2006 Double Murder, Slams Police Investigation
A local court in Etah has delivered a landmark verdict, sentencing a 50-year-old man to life imprisonment for a brutal double murder that occurred inside the court premises back in 2006. The court also imposed a substantial fine of Rs 1 lakh and took the extraordinary step of writing to the Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP), demanding departmental action against the then-investigating officer for what it described as a "negligent and flawed" investigation.
Court's Detailed Orders and Compensation Directive
Additional District and Sessions Judge Dinesh Chand, presiding over the case, announced the verdict on Thursday. In a significant move, the judge directed that 50% of the imposed fine be paid as compensation to the complainant, Pradeep Kumar. The court further stipulated that if the convict, Manoj Singh, fails to pay the fine, he will be required to serve an additional year in prison. This dual penalty underscores the gravity of the crime and aims to provide some redress to the victims' family.
Chilling Details of the 2006 Incident
District Government Counsel (DGC) RPS Rathore provided a detailed account of the tragic events. The incident unfolded on November 29, 2006, when Pradeep Kumar, a resident of Nagla Harvati in Kasganj, arrived at the Etah court complex. He was accompanied by his 28-year-old brother, Sandeep, and their 50-year-old father, Rakshpal, to depose in connection with a 2004 murder case.
During the court proceedings, firing suddenly broke out inside the premises. Sandeep was shot dead on the spot, while Rakshpal sustained critical injuries and later succumbed at a district hospital. The attack sent shockwaves through the legal community, highlighting security concerns in judicial complexes.
Legal Proceedings and Prosecution's Argument
An FIR was promptly registered at the Kotwali Nagar police station under IPC sections 302 (murder) and 148 (rioting, armed with deadly weapon), among others. Manoj Singh was chargesheeted along with six other accused: Chandrashekhar Yadav, Harivallabh alias Khanna, Avdhesh, Charan Singh, Banwari Lal, and Chanchal.
The prosecution argued that the attack stemmed from old enmity linked to an earlier murder case, in which the deceased were witnesses. This background suggested a premeditated act of violence aimed at silencing key testimonies.
Trial and Verdict: Conviction and Acquittals
During the trial of the 2006 case, the court meticulously examined witnesses and technical evidence before convicting Manoj Singh. Notably, one of the accused, Banwari Lal, died during the pendency of the trial.
In a twist, the court acquitted the remaining five accused, citing a lack of conclusive evidence and granting them the benefit of doubt. This aspect of the verdict highlights the challenges in securing convictions in complex criminal cases with multiple defendants.
Court's Scathing Critique of Police Investigation
In its comprehensive order, the court did not mince words in criticizing the police investigation. It directed the DGP to initiate a probe and take departmental action against retired inspector Rajpal Singh, the then investigation officer, for significant lapses in the investigation. This directive reflects the judiciary's growing impatience with procedural failures that can jeopardize justice.
The verdict serves as a stark reminder of the long arm of the law, even in cases delayed by investigative shortcomings. It also emphasizes the judiciary's role in holding law enforcement accountable, ensuring that victims' families receive not just legal closure but also tangible compensation for their loss.
