Jaisalmer Court Delivers Life Sentences in Seven-Year-Old Murder Case
In a significant verdict, the Additional District and Sessions Court (ADJ) in Pokaran, Jaisalmer district, has sentenced five individuals to life imprisonment for a murder that occurred seven years ago. The judgment was delivered on Wednesday by Judge Dr. Mahendra Kumar Goyal, who also imposed a fine of ₹1 lakh on each convict.
Details of the Crime and Investigation
The case dates back to January 12, 2019, when police in Nachna received a telephonic alert about a dead body discovered in bushes near Avay village. A police team, led by the Circle Officer of Nachna, promptly arrived at the scene and identified the victim as Kalaram, son of Kandhiram, a resident of Akawali in Fatehabad, Haryana. The body showed clear signs of a violent attack, with the throat slit using a sharp-edged weapon.
Nachna police registered a formal case and launched an intensive investigation. Their probe revealed that the primary accused, Chunnilal, a resident of Loharu in Bhiwani, Haryana, who was staying near Bikanpur Phanta in Bajju, Bikaner, harbored suspicions of an illicit relationship between his wife and the deceased Kalaram. Driven by this grudge, Chunnilal orchestrated a conspiracy to eliminate Kalaram.
Conspiracy and Execution of the Murder
Chunnilal enlisted the help of the victim's own nephew, Patwari, son of Falaram from Akawali, Sadar Tohana, Fatehabad, Haryana, along with three associates: Sandeep alias Kalia, Rakesh alias Tony, and Sunil alias Senti, all residents of Fatehabad, Haryana. The group was lured with monetary incentives to participate in the crime.
On the fateful day, when Kalaram was traveling by vehicle from the Nachna–Mohangarh route, the accused followed him, stopped him at a pre-planned location, and forcibly took him into their vehicle. Under the cover of darkness, they drove to a dirt road leading to Avay village. There, all five accused—Sandeep alias Kalia, Patwari, Chunnilal, Rakesh, and Sunil—collectively killed Kalaram by slitting his throat with a meat-cutting knife. They then fled the scene, abandoning the body at the spot.
Arrests and Court Proceedings
Nachna police successfully apprehended all five accused following the investigation. In court, the prosecution, represented by advocate Samandar Singh Rathore, presented extensive documentary evidence and witness testimonies to build a strong case against the defendants.
After thorough hearings and arguments from both the prosecution and defense, Judge Dr. Mahendra Kumar Goyal delivered the verdict. Sandeep alias Kalia was convicted under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code and sentenced to life imprisonment with a fine of ₹1 lakh. Additionally, he received a five-year rigorous imprisonment term and a fine of ₹50,000 under the Arms Act. The other four accused—Patwari, Chunnilal, Rakesh, and Sunil—were also convicted under Section 302, each receiving life imprisonment and a fine of ₹1 lakh.
The case was argued on behalf of the state by Additional Public Prosecutor Samandar Singh Rathore, ensuring that justice was served for the victim and his family after a prolonged legal battle.
