Delhi Triple Murder Case: Accused Acquitted Over Lack of Evidence
A Delhi court has acquitted an accused in a 2016 triple murder case due to lack of evidence, while the main perpetrator remains at large.
A Delhi court has acquitted an accused person involved in a brutal 2016 triple murder case, citing a significant lack of concrete evidence. While one individual has been cleared, the primary suspect behind the gruesome killings has been evading arrest since 2022.
The chilling incident dates back to June 2016, when two women and a young girl were murdered by having their throats slit. The case, which was registered at the Usman Pur police station, had remained a central focus of local investigations for years.
Court Grants Benefit of Doubt
Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Balwinder Singh delivered the verdict on September 30, acquitting the accused, Javed, of charges including criminal conspiracy and murder. The court noted that the prosecution failed to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.
In a detailed observation, the court stated: “The court comes to the conclusion that there exist a serious doubt in the case of the prosecution and as such it has failed to prove its case against the accused persons for the commission of the alleged offences beyond all reasonable doubts.”
The judge specifically pointed out the failure to substantiate claims under Section 201 of the Indian Penal Code, which pertains to the destruction of evidence. Although the prosecution suggested Javed had destroyed a mobile phone, the court found no material on record to support this claim.
Failure to Link Accused to Crime
The judgment highlighted a critical gap in the investigative findings, noting the absence of direct, circumstantial, or scientific evidence. The court remarked that there was nothing to link the accused to the conspiracy or the specific mobile phone and contact numbers mentioned in the case.
The prosecution's theory suggested a complex motive involving financial disputes and personal grudges. According to the case file:
- The primary accused, Rahisuddin, alias Haider, allegedly planned the murders after failing to arrange ₹1 lakh for the deceased, Mehrun Nisha, and her mother, Sayra.
- Haider allegedly harbored a grudge because Mehrun Nisha had allegedly stopped communicating with him and formed friendships with other men.
- Javed was accused of acting as a lookout, monitoring the victims' movements and informing Haider via telephone.
The Alleged Brutal Execution
The prosecution alleged that the murders were executed with calculated precision. According to the theory presented, Javed was to lure Mehrun Nisha outside the house by claiming the money had been arranged. While she was away, Haider allegedly entered the residence and killed Sayra and Shabnam using a meat knife.
It was further alleged that Haider remained inside the house, watching television, until Javed signaled that Mehrun Nisha was returning. Upon her arrival, Haider allegedly slit her throat to complete the massacre.
While Haider was arrested in June 2016 following a disclosure statement, he has managed to remain at large for several years, leaving the quest for justice for the three victims partially unfulfilled.