In a significant legal victory against organized crime, the Delhi Police has successfully secured the conviction and life imprisonment of two hardened criminals under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). The verdict was announced on Thursday, marking a crucial step in curbing serious criminal activities in the national capital region.
Who Are The Convicted Criminals?
The individuals sentenced to rigorous life imprisonment are Vikas Gulia, also known as Vikas Lagarpuria, and Dhirpal, alias Kana. According to police records, Gulia was implicated in a staggering 18 criminal cases, while Dhirpal had connections to 10 serious offences. Their criminal portfolios included grave charges such as:
- Murder and attempt to murder
- Extortion and related crimes
- Violations of the Prisons Act
- Disobedience of orders from public servants
- Breach of the Model Code of Conduct
- Causing grievous hurt
Details of the Investigation and Court Proceedings
The case originated from a First Information Report (FIR) registered at the Najafgarh police station under Section 3 of MCOCA. Following the registration, the Dwarka district police undertook a meticulous and detailed investigation.
During the probe, investigators gathered certified copies of multiple previous cases against both accused from various courts. This collection of evidence was pivotal in establishing a clear pattern of sustained and organized criminal activity. The investigation uncovered that the duo persistently engaged in serious crimes even after being granted bail in several earlier instances, thereby posing a severe and continuous threat to public order and safety.
The prosecution presented a robust case before the court. Out of a total of 86 witnesses cited, 59 were examined. The evidence presented included extensive documentary proof and oral testimonies, all aimed at demonstrating the ongoing unlawful activities of the accused.
The Court's Verdict and Statement
Based on the overwhelming evidence on record, the court of Additional Session Judge Vandana Jain found the two accused guilty under Section 3 of MCOCA on December 10 last year. The final sentencing has now been announced.
The court sentenced both Vikas Gulia and Dhirpal to rigorous imprisonment for life. Additionally, a hefty fine of Rs 3 lakh each was imposed. The court order specified that in case of default in payment of the fine, the convicts would have to undergo an additional one year of imprisonment.
In an official statement, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Dwarka) Ankit Singh highlighted the court's observation. The court noted that the accused exhibited no fear or regard for the law, which underscored the absolute necessity of invoking special legislation like MCOCA to effectively curb the menace of organized crime.
This conviction serves as a strong message about the commitment of the Delhi Police to use stringent laws to dismantle criminal networks and ensure public safety in the region.
