New Delhi, 04 July (H.S.): A Delhi court on Saturday sentenced Bihar MLA Raju Singh to four years' imprisonment in connection with the death of a woman during celebratory firing at a New Year's Eve function held on December 31, 2018. Special Judge Vishal Gogne also imposed a fine of Rs 25 lakh on Singh, directing that the amount be paid as compensation to the deceased woman's husband.

During the sentencing hearing on July 3, the Probation Officer informed the court that a murder case is pending against Raju Singh in Bihar, in which he is currently out on bail. Counsel appearing for Singh requested the court to award a lenient sentence, arguing that he had not been convicted in any previous case and had already spent nearly two months in jail in connection with the present matter. The defence also submitted that Singh has been elected as a Member of the Bihar Legislative Assembly six times.

On June 6, the court had convicted Raju Singh in the case. However, it acquitted his wife, Renu Singh, along with Rana Rajesh Singh and Ramendra Singh of all charges. The court found Raju Singh guilty under Section 304 (Part II) of the Indian Penal Code and Section 30 of the Arms Act.

Earlier, on November 23, 2023, the court had framed charges against all the accused. While Raju Singh was charged under Section 304 (Part II) of the IPC and Section 30 of the Arms Act, his wife Renu Singh, Rana Rajesh Singh and Ramendra Singh were charged with destruction of evidence.

The incident occurred during a New Year's Eve celebration at Rose Farm in Ambedkar Colony, Mandi village, on the night of December 31, 2018, when Archana Gupta was killed in celebratory firing.

According to the complaint filed by her husband, Vikas Gupta, his wife had greeted Raju Singh with a hug, following which Singh accompanied her to the dance floor near the DJ. The complainant alleged that he then saw Raju Singh, his security guard and several others firing their weapons into the air. About five minutes later, he noticed Singh firing into the air once again. Moments later, he saw his wife collapse. When he rushed to her, he found her unconscious with blood on her face. With the help of other guests, he took her to Fortis Hospital, where she was declared dead.

The Delhi Police filed the chargesheet in the case on September 28, 2019. The court took cognisance of the chargesheet on October 30, 2023.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar