Aligarh Court Delivers Life Sentences in 2007 AMU Student Murder Case
In a significant verdict that brings closure to a nearly two-decade-old case, a court in Aligarh has sentenced three individuals to life imprisonment for the murder of an Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) student during a violent clash linked to student body elections in 2007. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 30,000 on each convict, marking the culmination of a prolonged legal process that began with the tragic shooting of a young BCom student.
The Fateful Night of April 8, 2007
The incident occurred around midnight on April 8, 2007, when Mohammad Sabit Ali, a student in his early 20s from Odisha, was having tea with his friend Nabil Ahmed and others at a dhaba under the Civil Lines police station area. According to the police complaint filed by Ahmed, a group of students arrived on two motorcycles and opened fire at Ali, who collapsed immediately. The victim was rushed to JN Medical College but was declared dead upon arrival, sparking outrage and protests within the university community.
In his statement, Ahmed identified the accused students, stating, "I could recognise the accused students. Geetam Kushwaha and Asif Navi Khan fired from their pistols. We took Sabit Ali on our motorcycle to the nearest medical facility but couldn't save him." This eyewitness account played a crucial role in the subsequent investigation and legal proceedings.
Investigation and Arrests Following the Murder
Following the killing, AMU students organized massive protests, demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible. Police investigations quickly indicated that the murder was connected to the ongoing student union elections at the university, highlighting the intense and sometimes violent nature of campus politics during that period.
A large-scale manhunt was launched, leading to the arrests of Asif Navi Khan from Bulandshahr, Abid Ansari from Etawah, and Geetam Kushwaha from Aligarh. All three were sent to jail, and weeks later, a charge sheet was submitted in court under IPC section 302 (murder) and other relevant provisions, setting the stage for a lengthy trial.
Court Verdict and Sentencing Details
After examining all witnesses and reviewing evidence, the court of Additional District Judge Tarkeshwari Singh delivered the verdict on Thursday, sentencing the three convicts to life imprisonment. ADGC KM Johri confirmed the sentencing, stating, "After examining all the witnesses and reviewing evidence, the court of the additional district judge, Tarkeshwari Singh, sentenced the three convicts to life term on Thursday."
In response to the verdict, AMU Proctor Mohammad Wasim told TOI on Friday, "The youngster who was shot dead in 2007 was a student of AMU, but whether his killers were also the University's students is part of our verification." This statement underscores the ongoing efforts to fully understand the circumstances and affiliations of those involved in the tragic event.
Broader Implications and Community Impact
This case highlights several critical issues:
- Student Politics and Violence: The murder was directly linked to student union elections, raising concerns about the escalation of political rivalries into violent confrontations on university campuses.
- Legal Delays and Justice: The nearly 17-year gap between the crime and the final verdict illustrates the challenges and delays often faced in the Indian judicial system, though the outcome provides a measure of closure for the victim's family and the university community.
- Campus Safety and Governance: Incidents like this prompt universities to reevaluate security measures and the management of student elections to prevent future tragedies.
The sentencing serves as a reminder of the severe consequences of such acts of violence, while also reflecting the perseverance of the legal system in pursuing justice over many years. As the AMU community and the victim's family process this verdict, it underscores the importance of maintaining peace and order in educational institutions across the country.
