Ara: A court in Ara on Tuesday sentenced a minor boy to life imprisonment for murder and imposed a fine of Rs 1.02 lakh, in what is being described as a historic verdict in Bihar’s Bhojpur district.
Special Judge for Juvenile Justice Shailendra Kumar Panda, who also serves as First Additional District and Sessions Judge, delivered the ruling in connection with a 2022 murder under Barhara police station. The court held that “a crime like murder cannot be condoned considering the minor’s involvement,” and said the fine could be increased if the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) found the compensation insufficient.
The case dates back to May 17, 2022, when Santosh Kumar was shot dead outside his home while sitting with his son and relatives at around 10pm. According to the FIR lodged by Sadhu Sharan Rai, five people arrived on two bikes, including the juvenile, who allegedly fired the fatal shot. Santosh Kumar was rushed to the Primary Health Centre in Matukpur but succumbed to his injuries.
Police evidence, the charge sheet, and witness testimony led to the conviction. Along with life imprisonment under murder charges, the minor was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment under the Arms Act. The court noted that the punishment could be reduced depending on the convict’s behaviour during incarceration.
Superintendent of Police Raj confirmed the conviction, stating that the court had acted “based on strong evidence and testimonies presented during the trial.”
