In a significant development in a high-profile murder case, a special court for the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in Jaipur has ordered the framing of charges against eight individuals accused of killing Shri Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena chief Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi. The court issued the order on December 2, marking a crucial step towards trial.
Charges Read Out to Accused
Special Public Prosecutor Snehdeep Khyalia confirmed that the charges were formally read out to six of the eight accused on Thursday. This legal procedure informs the accused of the specific offenses they are being tried for, paving the way for the commencement of the trial. The charges stem from the brazen daylight assassination that sent shockwaves through Rajasthan.
The Fatal Attack and Investigation
Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi was shot dead inside his residence in Jaipur's Shyam Nagar area on December 5, 2023. According to the investigation, two assailants identified as Rohit Rathore and Nitin Fauji entered his house and opened fire, killing him on the spot. The murder triggered widespread protests across the state, leading to the case being transferred to the NIA for a comprehensive probe.
In June last year, the federal agency filed a chargesheet, naming several suspects. The key individuals implicated include wanted gangsters Rohit Godara and Goldy Brar. Investigators have labeled Godara as the principal mastermind who, along with another absconding accused Virendra Charan and Brar, hatched the conspiracy to kill Gogamedi.
Gangland Motive and Absconding Accused
The NIA's investigation revealed a chilling motive behind the killing. Godara and Brar publicly claimed responsibility for the murder after it was carried out. Investigators stated that Gogamedi's assassination was used as a tool to amplify the criminal influence of their gang and to extort money from other individuals, showcasing a pattern of gangland intimidation.
Apart from Godara and Brar, two other accused in the case, Mahendra Kumar and Virendra Charan, are also absconding and remain at large. The authorities continue their efforts to apprehend these fugitives. The framing of charges is a pivotal moment in a case that has highlighted the nexus between organized crime and targeted violence.
