Home / Crime and Justice / Bihar Riots: Life Sentence Upheld After 45 Years
Bihar Riots: Life Sentence Upheld After 45 Years
25 Apr
Summary
- Seven convicts' life sentences in 1980 riots case were upheld.
- The Patna High Court criticized the acquittal of prime suspects.
- Court reopens acquittal of alleged mob leaders due to evidence.
The Patna High Court recently upheld life sentences for seven individuals found guilty in the 45-year-old Biharsharif communal riots case. These convictions stem from incidents on May 1, 1980, where the convicts committed arson, assault, and the murder of 11 community members, including women and children. The court's decision on April 24 affirmed the judgment of the Fast Track Court-1 of Nalanda, which had previously sentenced the seven to rigorous life imprisonment.
However, the division bench strongly criticized the same court for acquitting two prime suspects, Panna Lal and Raj Kishore Sao, who allegedly led the mob. The high court found substantial evidence presented by the prosecution to hold these individuals guilty of murder and rioting. The bench expressed astonishment and shame at the judicial reasoning used for their acquittal, calling it a serious lapse.
Despite dismissing the appeals of the seven convicts, the Patna High Court has kept the case open. Invoking extraordinary powers, the court issued notices to the acquitted suspects. These notices, to be served via the local SHO, demand a response on why their acquittal should not be overturned, given the clear evidence on record.
