Pilibhit Court Delivers Life Sentence to Brothers in 12-Year-Old Murder Case
A local court in Pilibhit has handed down life imprisonment to two brothers in a murder case that dates back 12 years, stemming from a trivial school altercation that tragically escalated into the killing of a 58-year-old farmer. The verdict was delivered by District and Sessions Judge Ravinder Kumar on Wednesday, marking a significant conclusion to a prolonged legal battle.
Details of the Court's Ruling and Financial Penalties
In addition to the life sentences, the court imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 each on the convicted brothers, Puran Lal, who was 38 at the time of the incident, and his younger sibling Hari Shankar, then 31 years old. Judge Kumar directed that half of this total fine amount be paid to the legal heir of the victim, providing some measure of financial restitution to the bereaved family.
The proceedings against their father, Budh Sen, who was also an accused in the case and had been out on bail, were formally abated on May 12, 2017, following his death during the trial period. This development added a layer of complexity to the case, as the legal process continued without one of the original defendants.
Background of the Incident and Fatal Escalation
According to the prosecution, the tragic incident unfolded around 3 pm on February 22, 2014, in Sorha village under the jurisdiction of the Bisalpur Kotwali police station. The victim, Shri Ram, visited Puran Lal's residence to lodge a complaint regarding the violent behavior of Puran Lal's son towards his grandson at school. What began as a verbal argument quickly spiraled into physical violence.
During the altercation, Puran Lal and his father allegedly assaulted Shri Ram with sticks, while Hari Shankar inflicted fatal injuries by stabbing him in the chest and abdomen with a spear. The severity of the attack led to Shri Ram being rushed to a hospital in Bareilly, where he succumbed to his injuries later that same night, transforming a minor dispute into a homicide case.
Legal Proceedings and Charges Filed
Initially, the police registered a First Information Report under IPC sections 307, pertaining to attempt to murder, and 504, which addresses intentional insult. Following the victim's death, the more serious charge of section 302, for murder, was added to the case. A charge sheet against the three accused individuals was formally filed on March 11, 2014, setting the stage for the lengthy judicial process that followed.
District Government Counsel Mahendra Gangwar provided further insight into the legal journey, noting that the accused were later granted bail by the Allahabad High Court after their initial pleas for bail had been rejected by the sessions court. This aspect of the case highlights the procedural complexities and appeals that often characterize high-stakes criminal trials in India's judicial system.
The verdict underscores the grave consequences of allowing minor disputes to escalate into violence, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of conflict resolution and the rule of law in community settings. The court's decision brings a measure of closure to a case that has lingered for over a decade, emphasizing the judiciary's role in delivering justice even in long-pending matters.
