Prosecution Argues for Framing Charges in Delhi Dragging Case
New Delhi, July 18, 2024 – The courtroom was filled with tension as the prosecution presented its arguments on the framing of charges in a horrific hit-and-run case that took place in the Kanjhawala area of Delhi on New Year’s Day. The incident involved the dragging of a 20-year-old woman to her death, leaving the nation in shock. The special public prosecutor, Atul Shrivastava, underscored the gruesome nature of the incident, stating that the four accused had conspired to drag the victim beneath the car, ultimately causing her death. Additional Sessions Judge Neeraj Gaur reserved the order on the framing of charges against the accused and set the date for pronouncing the order as July 27.
Source. Republic TV
Charges under IPC Sections 302 and 120B
The four accused individuals, namely Amit Khanna, Krishan, Manoj Mittal, and Mithun, who were present inside the car during the incident, have been charged under sections 302 (murder) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The Delhi Police, after conducting a thorough investigation, found substantial evidence to support the charges against these individuals.
Chargesheet Filed Against Additional Accused
Apart from the four accused present in the car, the police have also filed a chargesheet against three other individuals – Ashutosh Bhardwaj, Ankush, and Deepak Khanna. These individuals face charges under sections 201 (causing disappearance of evidence of offense or giving false information to screen offender), 212 (harboring offender), and 182 (false information, with intent to cause public servant to use his lawful power to the injury of another person) of the IPC. The chargesheet, an extensive 800-page document, was filed on April 1 by the Delhi Police.
Source. ANI News
Court Reserves Order on Framing of Charges
Following the completion of arguments on the framing of charges, the court has reserved its decision until July 27. Special Public Prosecutor Atul Shrivastava emphasized the heinous nature of the incident and stressed that the investigation had been conducted from multiple angles to ensure justice is served.
Mr. J.P. Singh, the counsel for the four accused individuals, presented a counter-argument, requesting the discharge of his clients on various grounds. Singh pointed out the lack of evidence or witnesses indicating the accused individuals’ knowledge about the victim being trapped under the vehicle. He also highlighted the absence of CCTV footage capturing the accused looking beneath the car. Singh further mentioned that the prosecution’s screenshot, submitted as evidence, lacked critical details.
The dragging incident that resulted in the young woman’s untimely demise shook the conscience of the nation. With the court reserving its order on the framing of charges, the families of the victim and the accused await justice to be served. The upcoming decision will shed light on the fate of the accused and pave the way for further proceedings in this high-profile case.
