Court Finds Police Officers Guilty of Custodial Murder in Garia Rape and Murder Case
Chandigarh– A CBI court in Chandigarh has sentenced eight police officers, including former IG Zahoor Haider Zaidi, to life imprisonment for their involvement in the custodial death of a suspect linked to the infamous Garia rape and murder case. The verdict was delivered by CBI Special Judge Alka Malik on Monday.
The case stems from the tragic events of July 4, 2017, when a 16-year-old student went missing from Shimla’s Kotkhai area. Her body was discovered in the Tandi forests shortly thereafter. An SIT, led by then Shimla IG Zahoor Haider Zaidi, was formed to investigate the case. Seven individuals were arrested, including a Nepali youth named Suraj, who was detained at the Kotkhai police station. Suraj died while in custody, sparking outrage.
Following his death, the case was handed over to the CBI, which uncovered that Suraj had been tortured to death by the police. The investigation led to charges being filed against IG Zahoor Haider Zaidi and eight other police officers, including DSP Manoj Joshi, Sub-Inspector Rajinder Singh, and ASI Deep Chand Sharma, under sections 302 (murder), 201 (destruction of evidence), and other serious offences under the Indian Penal Code.
At the court hearing, CBI lawyer Amit Jindal demanded the strictest punishment for the accused, highlighting the gravity of the case. While the families of the accused pleaded for mercy, citing their “honest services” and “family responsibilities,” the court dismissed these appeals. The court convicted all the accused based on witness statements and evidence presented during the trial, sentencing them to life imprisonment.
The case has become a stark example of police brutality and the deep flaws within the justice system. The families of the convicted officers were present outside the court when the sentence was announced. Another accused, SPDW Negi, was acquitted by the court.
This ruling has shaken the nation, serving as a sobering reminder of the need for accountability in law enforcement and the protection of human rights within the justice system.