New Delhi, June 9 (IANS) A Delhi court on Tuesday deferred the sentencing of Bihar BJP MLA Raju Kumar Singh, who was recently convicted for culpable homicide not amounting to murder and violation of the Arms Act in connection with the death of a woman during celebratory firing at a New Year’s Eve party in the national capital in 2018.
The Rouse Avenue Court adjourned the matter to July 3 and sought a report from the Probation Officer on Singh before deciding the quantum of sentence.
During the hearing, Singh sought to be released on probation and urged the court to take a lenient view while deciding the sentence.
Arguing for mitigation, the legislator’s counsel submitted that Singh is a six-time MLA, has three children and is suffering from kidney-related ailments and diabetes.
Last week, the Rouse Avenue Court convicted Singh under Section 304 Part II of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Section 30 of the Arms Act, holding that his act of firing from a licensed pistol at a crowded gathering was done with the knowledge that it was likely to cause death.
The court had directed that Singh be taken into custody following the conviction and fixed June 9 for arguments on the quantum of sentence.
The case relates to an incident on the night of December 31, 2018, when a New Year celebration was being held at a farmhouse in Delhi’s Vasant Kunj area.
During the event, a bullet allegedly fired during celebratory gunfire struck architect Dr Archana Gupta, who later succumbed to her injuries during treatment. An FIR was subsequently registered at Fatehpur Beri police station, following which Delhi Police arrested Singh and others during the investigation.
In its conviction order, the court observed that Singh’s act of firing from his licensed weapon during a crowded New Year’s party demonstrated that he had knowledge that such conduct could result in the death of a person.
While convicting Singh, the court acquitted his wife, Renu Singh, and two other co-accused — Rana Rajesh Singh and Ramendra Singh — extending them the benefit of doubt.
The sentence to be imposed on the legislator could have implications for his political career, as a prison term of two years or more may attract disqualification from holding elected office under the Representation of the People Act.
–IANS
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