Nepali youth Suraj died in police custody following torture in the Garia rape and murder case
Team Clarion
CHANDIGARH — A CBI court here has sentenced eight police officers, including former IG Zahoor Haider Zaidi, to life imprisonment for the custodial death of a suspect in the Garia rape and murder case. The ruling was delivered on Monday by CBI Special Judge Alka Malik after hearing appeals from the accused, who sought leniency based on their past service records and family obligations.
The case stems from the tragic death of 21-year-old Suraj, a Nepali youth arrested in 2017 during the investigation into the rape and murder of a 16-year-old girl in Shimla’s Kotkhai area. Suraj’s body was found after he was detained at Kotkhai police station. The investigation into his death revealed that he was subjected to severe torture while in police custody.
Following Suraj’s death, the investigation was transferred to the CBI, which uncovered the extent of the police brutality. The CBI charged Zaidi, along with eight other police officials, under Sections 302 (murder), 201 (destruction of evidence), and other serious provisions of the Indian Penal Code.
During the court proceedings, the convicts’ families were present outside the courtroom, hoping for a more lenient sentence. However, CBI lawyer Amit Jindal argued for the strictest punishment, citing the severity of the crime and its impact on the country’s justice system.
The court, after reviewing witness statements and evidence, found the accused guilty and sentenced them to life imprisonment. However, one accused, SPDW Negi, was acquitted due to lack of evidence.
“This case highlights the serious issue of police violence and the failings of the justice system,” said a spokesperson for the CBI. “It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accountability for law enforcement officers.”
The court’s decision has sent shock waves throughout the country, shedding light on the systemic abuse of power within law enforcement and the need for reforms to ensure justice is served fairly and without bias.
