Five Men Sentenced to Death for Gang Rape and Murder in India

INIndia|

In a significant ruling, a court in Chhattisgarh, India, has sentenced five men to death for their roles in the gang rape and murder of a teenager, as well as the murders of her father and young niece. This crime occurred in January 2021 when the victims, belonging to a marginalized tribal community, were offered lifts by the accused while waiting for public transport.

According to the prosecution, the men violently attacked the victims, killing the father when he intervened to stop the assault and subsequently murdering the three-year-old niece. The minor was discovered unconscious days later and succumbed to her injuries en route to the hospital.

Public prosecutor Sunil Kumar Mishra confirmed the death sentences, while a sixth man received a life sentence for his involvement in the killings, albeit not the rape. India practices the death penalty, though executions are infrequent. The country recorded nearly 90 rapes daily in 2022, highlighting a persistent crisis of violence against women.

The verdict follows other recent high-profile cases that have ignited public outrage and protests over violence against women in India.

Weekly Newsletter

Loading...

More from India

Tragic Crime in Uttar Pradesh: Man Kills Wife and Disposes of Body

A 31-year-old man from Shravasti, Uttar Pradesh, has been arrested after allegedly murdering his wife, Sabina, and dismembering her body. The incident occurred while the couple was en route to Lucknow earlier this week. According to police reports, Saifuddin disposed of pieces of Sabina's body across a 10-kilometer stretch of the Shravasti area, with some parts thrown into a canal. The shocking discovery began when Sabina's brother, Salahuddin, grew concerned after her phone was switched off on May 14. He found evidence that the couple had left for Lucknow but later spotted Saifuddin alone in the area. Upon suspicion, he filed a missing persons report, prompting police involvement. After two days of questioning, Saifuddin confessed to the crime and led authorities to recover Sabina's burnt hand, which he had hidden in a nearby garden. Family members allege that Sabina was subjected to dowry harassment by her husband and in-laws, with Salahuddin stating, "He killed her because of this… we found her hand in the garden." Officials have confirmed the arrest of Saifuddin, who remains in custody.
INIndia

Abandoned Baby Grows Up to Murder Adoptive Mother Over Property Dispute

In a shocking incident in Paralakhemundi, Odisha, a 13-year-old girl allegedly conspired to murder her adoptive mother, 54-year-old Rajalaxmi Kar, with two male accomplices. According to police reports, the girl was abandoned as an infant and adopted by Rajalaxmi after being found on the roadside. The alleged motive for the murder, which took place on April 29, was Rajalaxmi's disapproval of her daughter’s relationships with the older men and the desire to inherit her property. Authorities stated that the trio drugged Rajalaxmi with sleeping pills before smothering her with pillows. Initially, the family was informed that she died from a heart attack, but suspicions arose when the girl's mobile phone was found, revealing Instagram conversations outlining the murder plan. Following a complaint by Rajalaxmi's brother, police arrested the girl and her accomplices. Gajapati Superintendent of Police Jatindra Kumar Panda noted that Rajalaxmi had raised the girl alone after her husband's death shortly after the adoption. The investigation continues as police recover evidence, including gold ornaments allegedly taken from the victim.
INIndia

Virat Kohli Retires from Test Cricket, Leaving a Legacy in Indian Sports

Virat Kohli, one of India’s most celebrated cricketers, announced his retirement from Test cricket, a decision that has left the cricketing community in shock. This announcement comes shortly after the resignation of captain Rohit Sharma. Both players will be absent as India prepares for a demanding five-Test series in England set to begin in June, potentially impacting the team's performance. Kohli, reflecting on his journey in a heartfelt Instagram post to his 270 million followers, expressed that stepping away from Test cricket was a difficult yet right choice for him. His career is marked by notable achievements, including leading India to significant victories and being an icon for millions globally, garnering tributes from renowned athletes across multiple sports. Former India captain Ravi Shastri emphasized that Kohli transformed the Indian cricket team into a competitive force, especially in overseas conditions. Throughout his Test career, Kohli amassed 9,230 runs, ranking fourth among Indian cricketers, and is hailed for his influence on and off the field. With Kohli's departure, a pivotal chapter in Indian cricket has come to a close.
INIndia