A district court in Sonepat, Haryana, has sentenced four individuals, including a wrestling coach, his wife, and the coach's two brothers-in-law, to rigorous imprisonment for life for the murder of a woman wrestler and her brother, as well as for attempting to murder the woman's mother. The incident occurred on November 10, 2021, in Halalpur village, Sonepat district.
Background of the Case
According to the complaint filed by Dhanpati, the mother of the deceased, Pawan Kumar, a resident of Baland village in Rohtak district, had been operating a wrestling academy in Halalpur village for three years. The academy was named after Olympian Sushil Kumar. Pawan was married in Halalpur, and his wife, Sujata, also served as a coach at the academy.
Numerous wrestlers from nearby villages trained at the academy, including Dhanpati's 22-year-old daughter, Nisha. Her 18-year-old brother, Sooraj, would accompany her to the academy daily. On November 10, 2021, Sooraj dropped Nisha at the academy as usual.
The Attack
Later that day, Dhanpati received a call from the academy informing her that Nisha had finished practice. When Sooraj and Dhanpati arrived at the academy, the coach and his associates opened fire on them. They attempted to flee to safety. Nisha had already been shot dead near the academy gate. Dhanpati sustained bullet wounds and collapsed at the scene. The assailants chased Sooraj and shot him dead near a canal.
Police registered a case against Pawan, Sujata, and the two brothers-in-law, Amit and Sachin, under various sections of the Indian Penal Code. All four were subsequently arrested.
Court Verdict
Additional District and Sessions Judge Dr. Jasbir Singh found all four accused guilty. The court sentenced Pawan to rigorous imprisonment for life, meaning until the end of his natural life, and imposed a fine of Rs 82,000. Sujata received a life sentence with a fine of Rs 75,000. Amit and Sachin were each sentenced to life imprisonment and fined Rs 80,000.
The verdict brings closure to a tragic case that highlighted the vulnerability of women athletes and the brutal consequences of unresolved conflicts.
