Life imprisonment to an accused in a CBI case related to rape and murder of victim

The Special Judge (POCSO), Shimla has today sentenced an accused Anil Kumar @ Nilu @ Kamlesh to undergo Life Imprisonment till remainder of his natural life and fine of Rs.10,000/- in a case related to rape and murder of a minor girl at Kotkhai (Himachal Pradesh).

CBI had registered the instant case on 22.07.2017 on the orders dated 19.07.2017 passed in CWPIL No. 88 of 2017 of Hon’ble High Court of Himachal Pradesh and taken over the investigation of the case, earlier registered vide FIR No. 97/2017, under sections 302, 376 of IPC & section 4 of POSCO Act at Police Station Kotkhai, District – Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) on the allegations of rape & murder of a minor girl in the forest of Halaila, Kotkhai, District – Shimla. Six persons were arrested by the local police in the case.

This case was being monitored by the Hon’ble High Court through the status reports which were placed before the Hon’ble Court from time to time. During investigation, it was found that the victim was raped and murdered by the accused Anil @ NiIu @ Kamlesh (a woodcutter/ Chirani by profession).

The case was very challenging and blind, involving public sentiments. There was no eye witness in this case. Scene of crime was in a dense forest with least human encroachment. The accused did not belong to the area of scene of crime and also frequently changed his location after the said crime. The involvement of the accused in the crime was established through DNA profiling, along with other evidences.

After thorough investigation, CBI filed a chargesheet in the court of Special Judge (POCSO), Shimla against accused Anil Kumar @ Nilu @ Kamlesh. CBI investigation also revealed that the 6 accused arrested by the State Police earlier, were not found involved in the crime.

After considering all the oral, documentary, scientific, medical and circumstantial evidences etc on record, the Trial Court found the said accused (Anil Kumar @Nilu@Kamlesh) guilty and convicted him on 28.04.2021.