Rapist and Murderer of 3-Year-Old Girl Sentenced to Death After 6 Years, Punjab-Haryana High Court Confirms Verdict

Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): The Punjab and Haryana High Court has upheld the death sentence for a man convicted of the rape and murder of a three-year-old girl, calling his actions "monster-like." A division bench, consisting of Justice Sureshwar Thakur and Justice Sudeepti Sharma, confirmed the trial court's verdict and dismissed the convict's appeal against both his conviction and sentence.

The case stems from an incident on November 12, 2018, when the body of the young girl was discovered in an abandoned shop in Gurugram. Her father, a daily wage laborer, reported that his daughter had gone missing after being enticed by the accused, who promised her food. After a search, he learned that his daughter had been found dead. In February 2024, the trial court sentenced the accused, Sunil, to death under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The High Court concurred with the trial court's judgment, agreeing that the crime fell into the "rarest of rare" category, thus justifying capital punishment. The judges highlighted the brutality and dehumanizing nature of the crime.

Evidence presented during the trial, including CCTV footage, showed Sunil taking the victim away on the day of the crime. Sunil also gave a signed confession in which he explained how he committed the crime and disclosed where he had hidden the weapons used. DNA evidence further connected him to the crime scene. The High Court rejected the defense's argument that Sunil was falsely implicated and that life imprisonment would be a more fitting punishment. Instead, the court ordered the District Magistrate to appoint an executioner and prepare a schedule for the death sentence to be carried out once the statutory appeal period expires.

Additionally, the trial court imposed a fine of ₹25,000 to be paid to the victim’s father and awarded ₹10 lakh in compensation from the Women Victims Compensation Fund to be shared between the victim's parents. The decision has been welcomed by child rights activists, reinforcing a commitment to justice for victims of sexual violence against minors.