Hathras rape-murder case: One gets life term, 3 acquitted

The SC/ST court of Hathras on Thursday sentenced to life in prison the main accused in the sensational case of gangrape and murder that took place there two years ago.

The case is about the alleged abduction, gangrape and brutal murder of a 19-year-old girl on September 14, 2020, in Hathras. The girl was subjected to brutality to the extent that her tongue was chopped and multiple injuries were caused. After battling for life for 15 days, she died on September 29, 2020, at a Delhi hospital.

The court, which dropped the charge of rape, however, on Thursday acquitted three persons in the case.

Sandeep Sisodiya, the prime accused, has been found guilty of culpable homicide not amounting to murder. He has also been found guilty of offences under the SC/ST Act.

The counsel for the victim, Seema Kushwaha, said that she is not satisfied with judgement and would approach the high court for the sentencing of the three who have been acquitted. If there was only one accused in the case why did the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) chargesheet the three others, she asked. This shows there has been political influence in this case and that is why the three have been acquitted, the lawyer alleged. Kushwaha said there is an option before her to appeal in the higher court which would be used.

The incident had rocked the Uttar Pradesh assembly and various leaders had marched to Hathras to meet the family members of the victim. Sensing the sensitivity of the case, the state government had handed over the investigation to CBI which charged Sisodiya, Luv Kush, Ravi, and Ramu under Sections 376, 376 D, 302 of the Indian Penal Code besides offences under the SC/ST Act.

Published on: Thursday, March 02, 2023, 01:41 PM IST