Agra: A local court in Mathura on Friday sentenced two men to life imprisonment for the murder of a 26-year-old man in 2024. The prosecution said the killing stemmed from hostility over his marriage to a woman against her family’s wishes.
Background of the Case
District government counsel Shivram Singh said Hemant, a resident of the Surir area, married Anjali through a court marriage after the couple eloped in December 2022. The marriage was opposed by Anjali’s family and led to tensions between the two families. Anjali was later married to another man. The prosecution said Hemant subsequently sent a legal notice asserting that his marriage to her remained valid, further escalating the dispute. Anjali’s brother, Sandeep, aged 22, and his associate, Nitesh, then allegedly decided to eliminate him.
Details of the Murder
In a complaint lodged at Surir police station, Hemant’s father, Bahori Singh, stated that Nitesh took Hemant away on a motorcycle on March 15, 2024. Near Bhadanwara village, Sandeep and Nitesh allegedly attacked him with a sharp-edged weapon, causing injuries that led to his death. A few hours later, Hemant’s body was found near Hanuman temple in Bhadanwara. Police registered a case under IPC Section 302 (murder) and launched an investigation.
Evidence and Trial
During the trial, the prosecution relied on eyewitness and circumstantial evidence, including testimony that Hemant was last seen with Nitesh shortly before the murder. Police also recovered the alleged murder weapon, a sharp-pointed icebreaker. Forensic examination detected blood on several seized articles. Singh said district and sessions judge Vikas Kumar held that the evidence established the guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt.
Sentence
The court sentenced both convicts to life imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 on each. In default of payment, they will undergo additional imprisonment, the court directed.
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