Delhi Court Acquits Woman of Attempted Murder in Stabbing Incident
A Delhi court delivered a significant verdict on Monday, acquitting a woman of charges of attempt to murder in a stabbing case. The court observed that her actions lacked any "premeditated intent" and were instead committed in a sudden moment of provocation.
Conviction on Lesser Charge of Attempt to Culpable Homicide
However, the judicial system did not absolve her completely. Pitamber Dutt of the Patiala House Court found the woman guilty of the lesser offence of 'attempt to culpable homicide not amounting to murder.' The court noted that the prosecution had successfully established that she inflicted a stab injury on her live-in partner's chest using a kitchen knife.
This conviction carries serious legal consequences. The offence is punishable with a minimum sentence of three years imprisonment, along with a fine, and can extend to a maximum of seven years behind bars.
Background of the June 2023 Incident
The case originates from an incident on June 10, 2023. The woman, identified as Babie Lalngaihawmi, stabbed her boyfriend, Samuel Rokhrieo, after discovering him scrolling through photographs of his former girlfriend. This discovery led Babie to believe that Samuel was being unfaithful to her.
Following the stabbing, Babie demonstrated immediate remorse and concern. She promptly informed one of Samuel's friends about what had transpired and took him for medical attention. They first visited a private medical facility before proceeding to Safdarjung Hospital for further treatment.
Defense Arguments and Judicial Observations
The defense team presented a compelling case, arguing that Babie's act was not pre-planned but occurred spontaneously in the heat of the moment due to what they described as "emotional provocation." They emphasized that the prosecution itself admitted there was no prior enmity between the couple, who had been "in a live-in relationship for the past one year." Samuel corroborated this, stating they were living like "husband and wife."
The judge agreed with the defense's perspective, making several key observations:
- The circumstances were sufficient to give Babie a reasonable belief that Samuel was "playing with her emotions" and maintained an "inclination towards his ex-girlfriend."
- Her actions were committed on the "spur of the moment" after she "lost her senses" due to her boyfriend's conduct.
- The fact that she stabbed Samuel only once left "not an iota of doubt that she had no intention to commit a murder."
This nuanced judicial approach distinguished between premeditated criminal intent and actions driven by sudden emotional turmoil, resulting in the acquittal on the more serious charge while maintaining accountability for the violent act through the lesser conviction.
