2 sentenced to life for 2021 murder of Rajasthan man in Chandigarh

The case stemmed from an incident on June 15, 2021, when Sandeep’s semi-naked body was discovered adjoining a road in an industrial area on Chandigarh’s periphery. The complainant, Dayal Chand, Sandeep’s father, lodged the police report the following day, alleging a premeditated attack by the accused.

According to prosecution details, the murder unfolded in a shocking display of violence. The convicts, acting in concert, allegedly stripped Sandeep of his clothes before inflicting fatal injuries, leading to his death.

The body was spotted by local resident Balwant Singh, who alerted the police. An autopsy conducted by Dr Rajender Kumar Saini at a local hospital confirmed multiple injuries consistent with a brutal assault, including those that proved lethal.

The investigation, led by Inspector Raj Kumar and supported by a team of associated officers, including Head Constable Shyam Lal, Sub Inspector Naresh Kumar, and Assistant Sub Inspectors Manjeet Singh and Joginder Singh Negi, pieced together crucial evidence. Key among these was CCTV footage from cameras outside Hotel Royal Plaza, recovered via a pen drive and proved by witness Ravi.

Photographer Hardeep Singh extracted still images from the video, capturing movements on the day of the incident. ASI Sanjay Pal prepared a scaled site plan, while Riti Saini, assistant director at the state forensic science laboratory in Panchkula, compiled a detailed crime scene report.

Forensic parcels, including blood-stained undergarments and clothes of the deceased, were deposited with the regional forensic science laboratory in Moginand by Constable Vikram. MHC Babita handled records for the case property. Identification of the body was confirmed by witnesses Girdhari Lal Bajiya and Goverdhan Lal through photographs. H C Jaibir Singh registered the police report and made the initial endorsement.

Chargesheet filed in July 2021

The trial, which commenced with evidence recording on December 1, 2021, after charges were framed on September 13, 2021, relied heavily on this chain of circumstantial and direct evidence. The chargesheet was filed on July 30, 2021. No defence witnesses were examined, and the court found the prosecution’s case airtight.

During sentencing hearings Tuesday, defence counsels Sameer Sethi (for Bisht) and Lavish Arora (legal aid for Bhumra) pleaded for leniency, highlighting the convicts’ young ages, unmarried status, and family dependencies. Bisht was described as the sole breadwinner for his elderly parents and younger brother from a “respectable family,” while Bhumra supported his aged parents and three sisters.

Both were first-time offenders, they argued, urging a “lenient view” given the lack of prior criminal history.

Public Prosecutor Akash Tanwar countered forcefully, emphasising the “nature and gravity” of the offence—a premeditated, dehumanising act that stripped the victim and ended his life without provocation. “The convicts do not deserve any leniency,” Tanwar stated, pushing for “stringent punishment to send a strong message to society.”

Judge Sirohi, in his order, rejected the plea for mercy, noting the “brutal murder” committed “in furtherance of their common intention”. The court directed Rs 25,000, 50 per cent of the total fines, to be paid to the victim’s father Dayal Chand.