A court in the industrial city of Ludhiana has delivered a stern verdict, sentencing a man to rigorous life imprisonment for the abduction of his employer's young son. The heinous crime, which involved a ransom demand and sent shockwaves through the local community, dates back to the year 2019.
The Abduction and Swift Police Action
The case unfolded on December 6, 2019, when Gurpreet Singh, a resident of Haibowal, approached the police with a harrowing complaint. His six-year-old son had been kidnapped. The investigation, led by the Division Number 8 police station, quickly identified a suspect: Manpreet Singh, who was employed as a helper by the child's father.
Acting on crucial intelligence, the police team sprang into action. They successfully traced and rescued the abducted boy from a location in Kohara within a remarkably short span—just five hours after the crime was reported. The safe recovery of the child was a significant relief to the family and the authorities.
Legal Proceedings and the Final Judgment
The prosecution built a strong case against Manpreet Singh, presenting compelling evidence before the court of Additional Sessions Judge Ravinder Singh. The court meticulously examined the facts, including the motive of ransom and the breach of trust, as the accused was known to the family through his employment.
After a thorough trial, the judge found Manpreet Singh guilty under Section 364-A (kidnapping for ransom) of the Indian Penal Code. This section prescribes either the death penalty or life imprisonment. In the pronouncement made on May 6, 2024, the court opted for the latter, sentencing the convict to life imprisonment alongside a monetary fine.
Broader Implications and a Message of Deterrence
This verdict underscores the severe legal consequences for crimes involving the abduction of children, particularly those committed for financial gain. The Ludhiana police's prompt response in 2019, which led to the child's safe rescue, was commended. The final judgment by the sessions court closes a painful chapter for the victim's family, delivering a form of judicial closure.
The case serves as a stark reminder and a deterrent, highlighting that the judicial system in Punjab will deal with utmost severity in matters of kidnapping and extortion. The life term awarded to Manpreet Singh reflects the gravity of exploiting a position of trust to commit a crime against an innocent child.
