New Delhi, September 4, 2024 – The Supreme Court of India has upheld the murder conviction and life imprisonment of Nitya Nand and three others for the murder of Satya Narain in 1992. The case has seen multiple appeals over the years, but the apex court has now confirmed the sentence.
Background of the Case
The incident dates back to September 8, 1992, when Satya Narain was brutally attacked and killed near Ganga Ghat, Etah, Uttar Pradesh. The conflict arose from a family dispute over property, which had escalated due to a will executed by Laxmi Narain, Satya Narain’s younger brother, in favor of Satya Narain’s sons. This decision had angered Laxmi Narain’s eldest brother, Shree Dev, and his sons, including Nitya Nand.
According to the prosecution, Satya Narain was attacked with sharp weapons by Shree Dev and his sons, Munna Lal, Raju, Uchchav alias Pappu, and Nitya Nand. The attack took place when Satya Narain was taking a bath at the Ganga Ghat. During the assault, Nitya Nand allegedly fired a shot in the air from a country-made pistol to scare away any rescuers.
Judicial Journey
The case was initially heard by the Sessions Court in Etah, which in 1997 convicted all the accused under Sections 148 and 302/149 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). They were sentenced to life imprisonment. The Allahabad High Court upheld this conviction in 2012 when the accused appealed against the judgment.
In response, the accused moved the Supreme Court, where the appeal was heard. The defense argued that there was no direct evidence linking Nitya Nand to the actual killing, as there were no firearm injuries on the victim, and the weapon was never recovered.
Supreme Court’s Verdict
The Supreme Court, however, found the eyewitness testimonies and the sequence of events to be consistent and credible. The court noted that the firing of the pistol by Nitya Nand was part of a coordinated effort to intimidate witnesses and facilitate the escape of the attackers. The court dismissed the appeal, confirming the life imprisonment sentence for Nitya Nand and the others involved.
This ruling brings to an end a long judicial process, reinforcing the principle that justice, though delayed, is not denied.
Key Takeaways
This judgment reaffirms the importance of eyewitness testimonies in criminal cases, especially when supported by circumstantial evidence. The ruling also emphasizes that all participants in a crime can be held equally responsible under the law, even if their roles differ.
The Supreme Court’s decision serves as a reminder of the consequences of violent family disputes and the long arm of justice in India.
