Punjab and Haryana High Court Confirms Death Penalty for Child Rape and Murder

In a landmark judicial decision, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has confirmed the death penalty for a neighbour convicted of the rape and murder of a young girl, sending a strong message against crimes targeting children.

The division bench of Justice Sureshwar Thakur and Justice Sudeepti Sharma meticulously examined the case, rejecting the convict's appeal and endorsing the trial court's original judgment. The judges described the crime as exhibiting "dehumanised, monster-like conduct" that unquestionably warranted capital punishment. 

The case originated from a shocking incident in November 2018 when Sector-65 police station in Gurugram was informed about a small girl's body discovered in vacant shops. The subsequent investigation revealed a horrific crime committed by a neighboring resident against an innocent child.

The High Court's detailed examination of evidence included critical forensic and testimonial proof. CCTV footage obtained by investigating officers conclusively showed the accused taking the victim with him on the day of the incident. Moreover, the convict's own signed disclosure statement provided a chilling confession detailing the rape and manner of executing the crime.

Beyond the death sentence, the court directed additional measures to support the victim's family. The trial court had previously imposed a Rs 25,000 fine to be paid to the victim's father and awarded Rs 10 lakh in compensation from the Women Victims Compensation Fund, to be equally shared between her parents. 

The judicial bench strongly asserted that the case definitively fell within the "rarest of rare" category, leaving no room for mitigation or alternative sentencing. By confirming the death penalty, the court emphasized society's zero tolerance for crimes against children and the judicial system's commitment to protecting the most vulnerable.

The court has directed the District Magistrate to appoint an executioner and schedule the implementation of the death sentence following the statutory appeal period, marking a definitive conclusion to a case that shocked the collective conscience.