Couple gets life term for murder

Kullu’s Additional District and Sessions Judge, Amit Mandyal, on Monday sentenced Sher Singh (53) and his wife Chuni Devi from Kangti village, Babeli, to rigorous life imprisonment for the murder of Sher’s younger brother, Randhir Singh, alias Dhiru (38). A fine of Rs 5,000 was also imposed, with a provision of an additional six months of simple imprisonment in case of non-payment.

According to Anuj Sharma, Deputy District Attorney (DDA) of Kullu, the incident occurred on November 14, 2018, when Randhir, reportedly intoxicated, visited Sher Singh’s house. An altercation ensued during which Randhir broke their LED television and got into a physical fight with the couple. In retaliation, Sher Singh and Chuni Devi beat him with sticks, causing fatal injuries.

After the incident, Sher Singh tried to mislead authorities by claiming that Randhir had died from a fall. However, when police inspected the scene, they found injuries on Randhir’s body consistent with assault. Bloodstains inside the house and the broken television supported evidence of a violent confrontation.

Following the investigation, the police filed a chargesheet against the couple. Based on circumstantial evidence and witness testimonies, the court convicted Sher Singh and Chuni Devi under Section 302 of the IPC.

Deputy District Attorney Sharma said the judgment serves as a reminder that no one is above the law.