Aligarh Court Delivers Justice in 2019 Rape and Murder Case Based on Dying Declaration
A local court in Aligarh has delivered a landmark verdict in a horrific 2019 crime, sentencing a man to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment for sexual assault and imposing life imprisonment on two sisters-in-law for murder. The judgment, pronounced on Wednesday, relied heavily on the dying declaration of the 35-year-old victim, who was raped and set on fire in a brutal attack.
Chilling Details of the Crime Emerge from Court Proceedings
According to Additional District Government Counsel Pramendra Jain, the case originated in May 2019 when the victim's husband filed a police complaint alleging that while he was away for work, his elder brother had raped his wife. An FIR was promptly registered under IPC sections 376 (rape) and 506 (criminal intimidation) against the accused man.
"Enraged by the FIR, the accused's wife, aged 55, and her sister-in-law, aged 45, set the victim ablaze," Jain explained. "She suffered severe burn injuries and, in her final moments, provided a detailed account of the ordeal. This dying declaration became crucial evidence for the court, especially after witnesses turned hostile during the trial."
Legal Process and Sentencing Details
Following the victim's tragic death, all three accused were arrested. Police in Aligarh added IPC section 302 (murder) against the two women and submitted a chargesheet in court. The court of Additional Sessions Judge PK Jayant meticulously examined the evidence and testimonies presented during the trial.
"After examining the evidence and testimonies presented during trial, the court took into consideration the victim's testimony and the doctor's report before pronouncing the sentences," Jain stated. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 31,000 on the convicts.
Both women had been in jail since their arrest, while the man was out on bail. Following the verdict, he was taken into police custody and sent back to prison to serve his sentence.
Significance of the Dying Declaration in Indian Jurisprudence
This case highlights the critical importance of dying declarations in Indian criminal justice. Despite witnesses turning hostile—a common challenge in sensitive cases—the court placed substantial weight on the victim's final testimony. Legal experts note that such declarations are considered highly reliable evidence when made voluntarily and with full consciousness.
The verdict sends a strong message about the judiciary's commitment to delivering justice even in complex cases where direct witness testimony may be compromised. It underscores the principle that victims' voices, especially in their final moments, can be powerful instruments of justice.
This judgment comes as a significant development in Uttar Pradesh's legal landscape, demonstrating how courts can navigate challenging evidentiary situations to uphold the rule of law and provide closure to victims' families.
