‘Every life precious’: 24-year-old rape, murder convict gets 50 years in jail, fined Rs 73 lakh

A 24-year-old man accused of raping and murdering a seven-year-old girl has been sentenced to life in prison, with a minimum 50-year term and a fine of Rs 73 lakh. The Punjab and Haryana High Court upheld his conviction but partially allowed his appeal, commuting his original death sentence. The court emphasized that every life is equally precious and its loss irreparable, and that the state cannot take a life without due process.

The man was convicted for his role in the October 8, 2022, incident in which the girl went missing after playing outside. Her body was found partially burned the next day. The court reviewed evidence, including CCTV footage and witness testimonies, concluding that the man was last seen with the girl prior to her disappearance. Forensic evidence also linked him to the victim's sexual assault.

The court acknowledged the gravity of the crime but found that the circumstances surrounding the murder did not warrant the death penalty. The man's minimum sentence will be 50 years, and a fine of Rs 50 lakh will be paid as compensation to the victim's family.