Dec 16 convicts found guilty in dacoity, kidnapping case

On July 15, 2013, the court had framed charges against the four accused after they pleaded not guilty to charges in the robbery case.

A Delhi court on Thursday found the four convicts — who are facing the death penalty over the heinous December 16 gangrape and murder case — guilty in a separate case of kidnapping and dacoity.

Additional Sessions Judge Reetesh Singh convicted Akshay Kumar Singh, Mukesh, Pawan Gupta and Vinay Sharma for the offences under sections 395 (dacoity) and 365 (kidnapping or abducting with intent secretly and wrongfully to confine a person) of the Indian Penal Code, including others sections in the 2012 robbery case.

“Vide separate order pronounced today, the accused persons are convicted in all the sections for which charges were framed against them. Put up the matter for arguments on sentence on September 2,” said Additional Sessions Judge Reetesh Singh.

The court had also framed charges against them for offences punishable under sections 342 (wrongfully confining any person), 394 (person voluntarily causing hurt in committing or attempting to commit robbery), 412 (dishonestly receiving stolen property knowing that it was obtained by dacoity) and 34 (common intention) of the Indian Penal Code.

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According to the prosecution, driver Ram Singh, his brother Mukesh, Vinay, Pawan and Akshay, along with a juvenile, had snatched a mobile phone and Rs 1,500 from Ram Adhar, a 35-year-old carpenter, after luring him onto the bus being driven by Singh.

On July 15, 2013, the court had framed charges against the four accused after they pleaded not guilty to charges in the robbery case.

“It is alleged that on December 16, 2012, at about 8.45 pm at Munirka bus stand or road leading towards IIT flyover, you all (Akshay, Mukesh, Pawan and Vinay) in furtherance of your common intention along with one Ram Singh (since deceased) and one (juvenile)…kidnapped or abducted Ram Adhar (carpenter) with intent to cause Ram Adhar to be secretly and wrongfully confined and you all thereby committed an offence punishable under section 365/34 Indian Penal Code and within the cognisance of this court,” the court had said while framing charges.

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The appeals of Mukesh, Vinay, Pawan and Akshay — who were sentenced to death in 2013 for raping and killing a 23-year-old in December 2012 — are pending before the Supreme Court.

Kaunain Sheriff M

As City Editor ( Delhi) at the Indian Express, Kaunain Sheriff leads city reporting with a sharp focus on accountability journalism, data-driven stories, and ground-level impact. As the National Health Editor he leads the newsroom’s in-depth coverage of pressing health issues. He is the author of Johnson & Johnson Files: The Indian Secrets of a Global Giant, a definitive investigation into the accountability of one of the world’s most powerful pharmaceutical corporations. Areas of Expertise Investigative Reporting: Has deep expertise in investigative reporting spanning public health, regulatory affairs, drug safety, and the criminal justice system. His work sits at the intersection of governance, law, and accountability, with a particular focus on how regulatory failures, institutional lapses, and policy decisions affect citizens’ rights and safety. Data Journalism: Has extensively on big data–driven investigations, including analyses of flagship government schemes and large datasets on criminal trials, uncovering systemic gaps. Global Collaborations Kaunain is a key contributor to major international journalistic projects: The Implant Files: Collaborated with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) to expose global malpractices in the medical device industry. Chinese Big-Data Investigation: Uncovered how a foreign data firm monitored thousands of prominent Indian institutions and individuals in real-time. Awards & Recognition His commitment to "Journalism of Courage" has been recognized with the industry's highest honors: Ramnath Goenka Award for Excellence in Journalism SOPA Award (Society of Publishers in Asia) Red Ink Award (Mumbai Press Club) Indian Express Excellence Awards (Triple recipient for investigations into the NSA abuse in UP, Vyapam scam, and the anti-Sikh riots). Education: Studied Mechanical Engineering at Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), Bangalore, before moving to Delhi to pursue his passion for journalism. His engineering training informs his analytical approach, enabling him to decode technical, legal, and data-heavy systems with precision. Social media LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kaunain-sheriff-3a00ab99 X ( fromerly Twitter): @kaunain_s ... Read More

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December 16 gangrape