Punjab and Haryana HC Upholds Death Sentence for 2018 Rape-Murder Convict

In a landmark decision, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has upheld the death sentence of a convict involved in the rape and gruesome murder of a three-year-old girl in Gurugram in 2018. The convict, found guilty under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act, appealed the trial court’s decision. However, the high court dismissed the appeal, stating that his conduct was "monster-like" and underscoring the brutal nature of the crime.

The crime, which took place in Sector 65, Gurugram, involved the convict luring the young girl with promises of food before taking her away, later leaving her body in a nude state. The victim’s father reported the case to the police, leading to an investigation that ultimately convicted the defendant. The trial court sentenced the accused to death in February 2024, and the high court upheld this sentence after reviewing the case.

Despite arguments from the convict's counsel that the charges were fabricated, the high court found the evidence compelling and confirmed the death penalty. The ruling emphasized the heinous and dehumanized nature of the crime, reinforcing the gravity of the offense.

This judgment highlights the application of the "rarest of rare cases" doctrine for awarding the death penalty, particularly in crimes involving extreme cruelty. The court has also ordered the immediate execution of the death sentence, directing the appointment of an executioner.