On Monday, a special court in Muzaffarnagar found two former PAC (Provincial Armed Constabulary of UP Police) constables, Milap Singh and Virendra Pratap, guilty of gang-raping an activist from Uttarakhand in relation to the Rampur Tiraha firing case, sentencing them to life imprisonment.
The Court of the Additional District Judge (ADJ), Muzaffarnagar, on Monday, has sentenced two former Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) constables to life imprisonment. The convicts, Milap Singh and Virendra Pratap, were found guilty of raping and robbing a female protester during the infamous Rampur Tiraha incident, which occurred over three decades ago (30-year-old).
Also Read- Meerut Court: Three Men Sentenced To Life Imprisonment In ‘2012 Murder Case’ (lawchakra.in)
The additional district judge (ADJ) of Muzaffarnagar, Shakti Singh, delivered the verdict, marking a significant moment in the long-standing case that has awaited justice since the early ’90s.
“The court had convicted the two constables, Milap Singh and Virendra Pratap, on Friday and pronounced punishment today,”
stated Pravendra Kumar, the additional district government counsel (ADGC) of Muzaffarnagar. Alongside the life sentence, both individuals were fined ₹50,000 each, signifying the court’s stern stance on the matter.
The Rampur Tiraha incident, which took place on October 1, 1994, saw at least seven Uttarakhand activists killed and many women allegedly molested during police firing. The activists were en route to Delhi from Rishikesh, advocating for the creation of a separate state of Uttarakhand, which was later established in 2000.
The court’s decision was based on the testimonies of 15 eyewitnesses, including the then Uttar Pradesh home secretary, Dr. Deepti Vilas. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which took over the case following directives from the Allahabad High Court, presented these witnesses during the trial.
In his judgment, ADJ Shakti Singh drew parallels between the Rampur Tiraha incident and the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy, highlighting the severity of the crimes committed against unarmed and peaceful protesters.
“The protesters were on their way to Delhi for a peaceful demonstration when they were fired upon, and a female protester was raped and robbed. Such acts are intolerable in a civilized society, as peaceful protest is a fundamental right guaranteed by the constitution to all citizens,”
he remarked.
The CBI’s investigation into the incident revealed that protestors, including women from various parts of Uttarakhand, were halted at Rampur Tiraha in Muzaffarnagar during their journey to Delhi. The situation escalated when two PAC constables looted valuables from a female protester and later assaulted her, an act that led to widespread outrage and condemnation.
The legal proceedings against the accused have been extensive, with cases registered against 1,500 protestors and several police officers. The CBI has been investigating multiple cases related to the incident, including charges of rape, loot, and tampering with evidence. While some cases have been closed due to the deaths of the accused, the convictions of Milap Singh and Virendra Pratap mark a significant step towards justice for the victims of the Rampur Tiraha incident.
This judgment not only brings closure to a painful chapter for the victims and their families but also reinforces the judiciary’s role in upholding justice and human rights, even decades after the crimes were committed.
Also Read- S.300 IPC |Odisha Court Sentences Five Family Members To Life Imprisonment (lawchakra.in)