Jharkhand Court Sentences Two Men to Life for Setting a Girl on Fire While She Was Asleep

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Jharkhand Court served justice as two individuals were sentenced to life imprisonment for their heinous act of setting a girl on fire while she was asleep, an attack that tragically led to her death in 2022.

Jharkhand Court Sentences Two Men to Life for Setting a Girl on Fire While She Was Asleep

On Thursday, in Dumka district, Jharkhand: Justice was served as two individuals were sentenced to life imprisonment for their heinous act of setting a girl on fire while she was asleep, an attack that tragically led to her death in 2022. The court also imposed a total fine of Rs 1.05 lakh on the convicts, Shahrukh Hussain and Nayeem Ansari alias Chotu, directing that the fine amount be given to the victim’s father, as stated by public prosecutor Champa Kumari.

The judgment was delivered by the Additional District Judge-cum-special judge of the POCSO court in Dumka, Ramesh Chandra. This conclusion came after the hearing, which concluded on March 19, with the order being reserved post the arguments from both sides.

The dreadful incident unfolded in the quiet town of Dumka on August 23, 2022, marking a dark day in the district’s history. The victim, a 17-year-old girl and a class 12 student, became the target of a brutal and unprovoked attack while she was in the vulnerability of sleep. Shahrukh Hussain, driven by a perverse sense of retribution for the girl’s indifference to his advances, poured petrol on her through the window of her room and callously set her ablaze.

The severity of the attack left the girl with 90 percent burns, necessitating immediate medical attention. She was initially rushed to Phulo Jhano Medical College and Hospital in Dumka. However, given the critical nature of her injuries, she was later transferred to Rajendra Institute of Medical Science (RIMS) in Ranchi. Despite the best efforts of the medical team, the girl succumbed to her injuries on August 27, a mere four days after the attack, leaving behind a community in shock and mourning.

The conviction of Shahrukh Hussain and Nayeem Ansari alias Chotu brings a semblance of closure to a case that has gripped the region with horror and disbelief. The court’s decision underscores the judiciary’s commitment to upholding justice and sending a strong message against such barbaric acts of violence. The imposition of a life sentence, coupled with a financial penalty to be awarded to the victim’s family, reflects the legal system’s endeavor to provide relief and support to the bereaved family, even as they grapple with the irreplaceable loss of their daughter.

This case also highlights the ongoing challenges and dangers faced by women and girls, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and legal reforms to protect the most vulnerable members of society. As the Dumka community begins to heal from this tragedy, the verdict serves as a reminder of the consequences of violence and the importance of respecting the dignity and rights of all individuals.

author

Vaibhav Ojha

ADVOCATE | LLM | BBA.LLB | SENIOR LEGAL EDITOR @ LAW CHAKRA

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