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Motorcyclist Murder: Four Get Death Penalty After 15 Years
17 Jul
Summary
- Four men sentenced to death for a 2011 motorcycle robbery and murder.
- The court deemed the crime 'rarest of rare', citing a 15-year delay in justice.
- Victim's companion survived to become the key eyewitness for the prosecution.
In a significant ruling nearly 15 years after a brutal crime, a Muzaffarnagar court has handed down death sentences to four men. The individuals were convicted for the robbery and murder of a motorcyclist on a public road in 2011. The court described the incident as a "rarest of rare" case, noting that a considerable delay in delivering justice can unfortunately encourage criminal behavior.
The court highlighted that such "road hold-up" crimes instill fear and insecurity, hindering public movement and posing a severe challenge to law and order. These were not simple robberies but premeditated acts that concluded with murder to silence witnesses or prevent identification. The four convicts, all from Muzaffarnagar, received a Rs 1 lakh fine each, in addition to the death penalty, which awaits high court confirmation.
The incident occurred on August 20, 2011, when Raj Singh and his companion, Vijendra Singh, were traveling by motorcycle. They were intercepted, assaulted, and robbed by the accused, who then fatally shot Raj Singh. Vijendra Singh survived multiple injuries and provided vital testimony as the prosecution's key eyewitness.
During the trial, evidence included Vijendra's testimony, medical reports, and documentary records. The post-mortem confirmed Raj Singh suffered extensive blunt-force injuries and a fatal gunshot wound. The court remarked on the exceptionally brutal nature of the killing. It also expressed concern over the 15-year delay in the trial, stating that prolonged proceedings in serious cases undermine public faith in the judiciary and embolden criminals.
The court considered the convicts' criminal histories, which included charges of robbery, attempted murder, murder, and violations of the Gangsters Act. It found no mitigating circumstances to outweigh the aggravating factors, viewing the crime as an attack on public order and society. The severe punishment aims to send a strong deterrent message against organized highway robbery and murder.
