Mathura Court Awards Life Imprisonment for Ashram Murder
A court in Uttar Pradesh's Mathura district has sentenced a 35-year-old man to life imprisonment for the murder of a devotee at Gayatri Tapobhoomi Ashram in 2023. The convict, identified as Pyarelal, a resident of Sahiya village in Dehradun district, Uttarakhand, was also fined Rs 20,000 by the court.
According to the prosecution, the incident occurred on March 29, 2023, when devotees were reciting the Ramcharitmanas at the ashram. The victim, Atul Gaud, a resident of Jhunjhunu district in Rajasthan, had been staying at the ashram since March 13, 2023. Around 2 pm, Gaud was lying down and offering obeisance near the idol when Pyarelal entered the Yagshala, picked up a ladle (palta), and struck Gaud twice on the head.
Gaud sustained serious injuries and was rushed to the district hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. The accused was caught by ashram staff while trying to flee and was handed over to the police. A case was registered under IPC section 302 (murder).
District government counsel Shivram Singh informed that sessions judge Vikas Kumar found Pyarelal guilty and awarded him life imprisonment. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 20,000 on the convict.
Background of the Case
Mahesh Chand Sharma, who had been serving at the ashram for several years, lodged a complaint at Govind Nagar police station, leading to the investigation. The prosecution presented evidence that established Pyarelal's guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Legal Proceedings
The trial concluded swiftly, with the court delivering its verdict on the basis of witness testimony and forensic evidence. The life sentence serves as a deterrent against violent crimes in places of worship.
