Morbi Sessions Court Awards Life Imprisonment in 2020 Murder Case
The sessions court in Morbi has delivered a significant verdict, sentencing 24-year-old Vikram Phultariya to life imprisonment for a brutal 2020 crime that shocked the local community. The court found him guilty of murdering a neighbour and viciously attacking her two daughters in Valasan village of Wankaner taluka.
Details of the Tragic Incident
According to the prosecution's case, the horrific events unfolded in the early hours of August 23, 2020. At approximately 2:15 AM, Phultariya approached the residence of Ramanik, a local ritualist known as a bhuva, in Valasan village. When Ramanik's wife, Kanchan, informed Phultariya that her husband was sleeping on the roof and refused to wake him, the situation escalated dramatically.
Phultariya, who had concealed a knife in his waistband, forced his way into the family home. In a sudden outburst of violence, he first targeted the couple's 17-year-old daughter, inflicting stab wounds to her neck and left cheek. As Kanchan and her younger daughter rushed to intervene and help the injured teenager, Phultariya turned his weapon on them both, stabbing them in the abdomen.
Medical Evidence and Fatal Outcome
The medical reports presented during the trial painted a grim picture of the attack's severity. Tragically, Kanchan succumbed to her injuries and was later declared dead at Wankaner Government Hospital. The autopsy examination revealed she had suffered a fatal 2.1-centimeter stab wound to her lower abdomen, which had damaged a major artery.
The younger daughter survived the assault but sustained serious injuries. Medical testimony indicated she suffered a deep abdominal wound measuring 4 centimeters, highlighting the violent nature of the attack.
Court Proceedings and Defense Arguments
During the trial, the defense attempted to argue that Phultariya was suffering from mental instability at the time of the crime. However, the court dismissed this claim after careful consideration of expert testimony. A senior psychiatrist testified that while the accused did have a history of depression, he was fully capable of understanding the consequences of his actions on the night of the murder.
Principal District and Sessions Judge P V Shrivastav, in his order dated January 17, found Phultariya guilty under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code:
- Section 302 for murder
- Section 324 for causing hurt with a dangerous weapon
- Section 323 for voluntarily causing hurt
Legal Implications and Community Impact
The life imprisonment sentence reflects the gravity of the crimes committed and serves as a reminder of the judicial system's commitment to delivering justice in violent cases. The 2020 incident had deeply affected the Valasan village community, and this verdict brings a measure of closure to the affected family while reinforcing legal consequences for such acts of violence.
The court's thorough examination of both the forensic evidence and psychological testimony demonstrates the comprehensive approach taken in reaching this verdict, ensuring that all aspects of the case were properly considered before sentencing.
