Ghaziabad Court Awards Life Imprisonment to Three in 2023 Murder Case
In a significant verdict, a Ghaziabad court has sentenced three men to life imprisonment for the murder of a 23-year-old man in 2023. The case, which involved an alleged molestation attempt on a minor girl, saw the victim's testimony play a pivotal role in establishing the guilt of the accused.
Details of the Incident and Legal Proceedings
The tragic incident occurred on June 29, 2023, in the Khoda area of Ghaziabad. The victim, identified as Parvez Saifi, was allegedly beaten to death with an iron rod by the girl's father and his two neighbors. According to the prosecution, Saifi had barged into the girl's house and attempted to sexually assault her, prompting the violent response.
Following the incident, Saifi's brother, Asif, filed a First Information Report (FIR) with the Khoda police on the same day. The FIR accused the three men of illegally confining and beating Saifi to death. Police acted swiftly, registering a case under IPC sections 147 (rioting), 302 (murder), and 342 (illegal confinement) read with 34 (common criminal intent). The accused were arrested within 24 hours of the FIR being lodged.
Key Testimonies and Court's Reliance on Evidence
The minor girl, who was 15 years old at the time of the crime, provided crucial testimony during the investigation. She informed both the police and the magistrate that Saifi had entered her home and attempted to molest her. Upon raising an alarm, her father and the two other men intervened, caught Saifi, and beat him before handing him over to the authorities.
In contrast, the victim's family presented a different narrative. Asif alleged that his younger brother had gone to meet his girlfriend, referring to the girl. Saifi reportedly called his youngest brother, Sameer, claiming he was locked in a room and feared for his life. The family further stated that police informed them Saifi was taken to a hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.
The defense argued that there were no eyewitnesses to the alleged crime. However, the court examined the matter based on circumstantial evidence, emphasizing the need to establish a proper chain of events. The court heavily relied on the girl's testimony, which detailed the molestation attempt and the subsequent beating by the accused.
Court's Verdict and Sentencing
Additional District and Sessions Judge Justice Zunaid Muzaffar pronounced the sentence on January 30 of this year, with the order being made public on Monday. The court found the recovery of the murder weapon, an iron rod, and blood-stained clothes as conclusive proof of the accused's involvement in the murder.
In addition to life imprisonment, the court imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 on each of the accused. Furthermore, they were sentenced to one year of imprisonment with a fine of Rs 1,000 each under IPC section 342 for illegal confinement. The case had been transferred to the sessions court for trial on October 31, 2023, by the chief judicial magistrate, with charges framed on April 2, 2024, marking the beginning of the trial.
This verdict underscores the judiciary's commitment to addressing crimes against minors while ensuring a thorough examination of evidence in complex cases.
