Former SP MLC Kamlesh Pathak Sentenced to Six Years in Gangster Case
A court in Auraiya, Uttar Pradesh, delivered a significant verdict on Tuesday, sentencing former Samajwadi Party (SP) MLC Kamlesh Pathak to six years of rigorous imprisonment in a gangster case. The court also imposed a fine of Rs one lakh on him. This case is intricately linked to a tragic double murder that occurred in 2020, stemming from a land dispute over temple premises.
Details of the Sentencing and Case Background
In the same proceeding, eight other accused individuals were each sentenced to five years in prison and fined Rs 50,000. However, Kamlesh Pathak's gunner, Avnish Pratap, was acquitted of the gangster charges. The case dates back to March 15, 2020, when a violent confrontation took place at the Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir in Auraiya.
The dispute centered around the encroachment of approximately 1 bigha of land within the temple premises. On one side were Kamlesh Pathak, then an SP MLC, and his associates, while the opposing faction included advocate Manjul Chaubey and his sister, government teacher Sudha Chaubey. Both groups had repeatedly clashed over claims to the land, with the intent to control the entire temple area.
Escalation to Violence and Legal Proceedings
On that fateful day in March 2020, the dispute escalated dramatically when Kamlesh Pathak's side, allegedly accompanied by 10 additional people, engaged in a confrontation. Firing ensued from Pathak's group, resulting in the deaths of Manjul and Sudha Chaubey. Following this incident, a double murder case was registered at Auraiya Kotwali police station.
An FIR was lodged under Section 302 (murder) against 11 individuals, including Kamlesh Pathak, his brother former block pramukh Santosh Pathak, Ramu Pathak, a car driver, and the gunner. All accused were subsequently arrested. Police filed a chargesheet, and on July 11, 2020, the Gangster Act was imposed on 10 of them, with one minor being referred to the Juvenile Court.
Current Legal Status and Ongoing Trials
The recent sentencing pertains specifically to the gangster case. Importantly, the murder case remains under trial, with a verdict yet to be delivered. Gunner Avneesh Pratap Singh, though acquitted in the gangster case, will continue to face proceedings in the murder case. All convicted individuals are currently incarcerated in jail.
This ruling highlights the severe legal consequences for those involved in organized crime and violence, particularly in cases tied to political figures. The ongoing murder trial will further determine the full extent of accountability for the tragic loss of life in this land dispute.
