Harsh Garg, abducted as a child in 2007 in Agra, grew up to become a lawyer and presented the closing arguments in his own kidnapping case 17 years later. In June 2024, he joined the prosecution in a special court, marking a full-circle moment in his pursuit of justice.
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AGRA: A lawyer from Uttar Pradesh’s Agra presented the closing arguments in a kidnapping case that dates back 17 years, where he himself was the victim. Harsh Garg, abducted as a child in 2007, has now grown into a lawyer and delivered the final arguments in the case that shaped much of his life.
2007 Kidnapping Incident
The case dates back to February 10, 2007, when a 7-year-old Harsh Garg was abducted in Kheragarh, Agra. The First Information Report (FIR) filed by Harsh’s uncle, Avinash Garg, detailed the traumatic incident. Harsh was sitting with his father, Ravi Garg, at a local medical store around 7 p.m. when a four-wheeler with a Rajasthan registration pulled up beside them.
As per the FIR-
“Guddan Kachhi, along with his accomplices, exited the vehicle and abducted Harsh, holding his father, Ravi Garg, at gunpoint.”
When Ravi tried to resist, he was shot at and seriously injured, but fortunately survived.
The kidnappers demanded a ransom of Rs 55 lakh for the safe return of Harsh. However, in a dramatic turn of events, the young boy managed to escape. On March 6, 2007, while being moved by two of the accused, Bheem Singh and Ram Prakash, from the ravines to another location, Harsh saw an opportunity and fled.
According to police records-
“both the accused chased him but fled the spot after seeing a police cordon.”
The Arrests and the Trial
Soon after Harsh’s escape, police arrested the key accused, Guddan Kachhi, Rajkumar, Fateh Singh alias Chhigga, Amar Singh, Balveer, Rajesh Sharma, Bheem Singh, and Ram Prakash. All were promptly jailed, and the wheels of justice began to turn.
Despite the early arrests, the trial only officially commenced in 2014. Harsh’s father, Ravi Garg, also a lawyer, initially fought the case. As the years went by, Harsh regularly attended the hearings, and it was during these courtroom experiences that he made the decision to pursue a career in law.
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Harsh Garg’s Journey from Victim to Lawyer
Harsh’s journey to becoming a lawyer is nothing short of inspiring. Having lived through the trauma of abduction, the courtroom became a familiar space for him. After completing his undergraduate studies, Harsh enrolled at Agra College to pursue his law degree, earning his LLB in 2022. He was officially registered with the Bar Council in 2023.
Determined to seek justice not just for himself, but also for the principle of law, Harsh joined the prosecution team in his own kidnapping case. In a stunning full-circle moment, Harsh himself delivered the closing arguments in the court of the Special Judge in June 2024. His presence in court was not just symbolic; it marked the culmination of 17 years of persistence and resilience.
Life Sentences for the Accused
After the final arguments, the court reached its verdict. On September 17, 2024, the Special Judge sentenced eight of the accused to life imprisonment. The convicted individuals included Guddan Kachhi, Rajesh Sharma, Rajkumar, Fateh Singh alias Chhigga, Amar Singh, Balveer, Ramprakash, and Bhikam alias Bhikari.
While justice was served for many, not all of the accused faced the same fate. Four individuals—Dalel Singh, Lakhan Singh, Rajendra, and Ramesh—were acquitted due to a lack of conclusive evidence and witnesses. Additionally, two others accused in the case, identified as Bachchu and Niranjan, died during the trial, leaving the charges unresolved.
Despite the long and emotional journey, Harsh Garg has not slowed down. Having secured justice in a case that defined much of his life, he is now setting his sights on a career in the judiciary. Harsh is currently preparing for the Uttar Pradesh Provincial Civil Services Judicial Examination (PCS-J), an entry-level exam that qualifies successful candidates for positions in the subordinate judiciary.
Reflecting on his journey, Harsh shared that-
“This case has influenced my life in countless ways. I was determined to become a lawyer and fight for justice, not only for myself but for others in search of the truth.”
