Bharatpur Court Delivers Landmark Verdict in Decade-Old Village Feud Murder Case
In a significant judicial ruling, an Additional District and Sessions Court in Bharatpur has pronounced its verdict in a high-profile murder and assault case that has spanned nearly a decade. The court found 23 individuals from two rival families guilty, handing down severe sentences that reflect the gravity of the violent altercation that occurred in 2015.
Details of the Court's Ruling and Sentences
The court sentenced 12 of the accused to life imprisonment for their involvement in the murder, while the remaining 11 received seven-year prison terms for assault charges. This verdict brings a long-awaited closure to a case that has been marred by political tensions and familial strife.
Additional Public Prosecutor Dharmendra Kumar provided context, stating that the case originated from a violent clash on August 16, 2015, in Pipla village, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Chiksana police station in Bharatpur district. The altercation was reportedly fueled by deep-seated political animosities between the families, escalating into a deadly confrontation involving firearms.
Background of the Incident and Initial FIR
According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed by Dayachand, the incident began when his nephew, Rakesh, was standing at the village bus stand. He was allegedly assaulted by Saudan Singh and other family members. When Rakesh's relatives intervened to protect him, they too were attacked. The complaint further alleged that Saudan Singh shot Rakesh, resulting in his immediate death, while other family members sustained injuries during the melee.
Dayachand's FIR named 15 accused individuals: Saudan Singh, Gulab, Mukesh, Horilal, Guddu, Kartar, Charan Singh, Omi, Lakhan, Bhagwan Singh, Raghuvir, Mahesh, Khajan, Bhoja, and Raju. The police subsequently filed a chargesheet against all 15, and the court proceedings moved forward despite the deaths of three accused—Bhoja, Saudan, and Raju—during the trial. The court posthumously pronounced them guilty, while sentencing the remaining 12 accused to life imprisonment for the murder charge.
Counter-FIR and Additional Convictions
In a parallel development, a counter-FIR was filed on the same day by Shyamlal, who alleged that Dayachand and his family members had attacked his side, injuring several people. Shyamlal's FIR initially named 54 individuals, but police investigations narrowed it down to 11 accused: Tejpal, Atal Bihari, Tej Singh, Tikam, Dayachand, Raghuvir, Prabhu, Virendra, Charan Singh, Dinesh, and Narendra.
The court convicted all 11 of these individuals for assault, sentencing each to seven years of imprisonment. This aspect of the verdict underscores the complex and reciprocal nature of the violence that erupted between the two families.
Courtroom Atmosphere and Community Impact
The verdict was delivered in courtroom number-3, which was filled with a tense and charged atmosphere. A large crowd from both families had gathered to hear the ruling, visibly reflecting the deep divisions and lingering animosities that have persisted since the 2015 altercation. The presence of so many individuals highlighted the case's profound impact on the local community and the enduring legacy of the feud.
This ruling not only addresses the legal aspects of the case but also serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of violence driven by political and familial conflicts. It marks a critical step toward justice and accountability in a matter that has haunted the region for years.
