Srinagar, Aug 7: In a significant legal breakthrough, Srinagar Police on Friday secured the conviction of an accused in a 2020 murder case, with the competent court awarding rigorous imprisonment for life, imposing a fine of ₹50,000 and directing ₹7 lakh compensation for the family of the deceased under the Jammu and Kashmir Victim Compensation Scheme, 2019.
The case pertains to FIR No. 03/2020 registered at Police Station Maisuma, in which Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Dar, son of Abdul Gani Dar and a resident of Bichwara, Dalgate, Srinagar, was found guilty under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for the murder of Abdul Gani Dar, son of Mohd. Abdullah and a resident of Rassu, Budgam.
After hearing arguments on the quantum of punishment, the Hon’ble Court observed that while the offence was grave and heinous, it did not fall within the category of the “rarest of rare” cases warranting the death penalty. The Court, therefore, sentenced the convict to rigorous imprisonment for life and imposed a fine of ₹50,000.
The Court further directed that the fine amount, if realized, shall be paid to the legal heirs of the deceased as compensation. It also granted the convict the benefit of set-off for the period already spent in judicial custody, in accordance with the provisions of law.
While delivering the judgment on sentencing, the Hon’ble Court took serious note of the fact that the brutal assault had taken place inside the premises of a mosque. The Court observed that violence committed at a place of worship not only claims innocent lives but also undermines public peace, communal harmony and the sanctity of religious institutions.
Recognizing the financial hardship faced by the victim’s family, particularly the dependence of the deceased’s children, the Court also directed the release of ₹7 lakh as victim compensation under the Jammu and Kashmir Victim Compensation Scheme, 2019. The compensation amount shall be disbursed through the Jammu and Kashmir State Legal Services Authority within the stipulated timeframe.
Srinagar Police said the conviction was the result of a meticulous investigation, backed by scientific evidence and effective prosecution before the Court. The police said the successful conviction reflects its continued commitment to delivering justice to victims through professional investigation and diligent legal proceedings.
Reaffirming its resolve, Srinagar Police stated that it remains steadfast in upholding the rule of law and ensuring that every offender is brought to justice in accordance with the law. (KNC)
