Bhopal, October 12 (Daily Kiran) — In a first-of-its-kind verdict under the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), a court in Madhya Pradesh has awarded the death penalty to an accused convicted of a brutal murder over witchcraft suspicion.
The judgment was delivered by Additional Sessions Judge (II) Anil Chaudhary in Khandwa district, sentencing Champalal alias Nandu (23), son of Jalam Mehar, a resident of Chhanera village, Pandhana police station, to death under Section 103(1) of the BNS.
According to Assistant District Prosecution Officer Vinod Kumar Patel, who represented the prosecution, the case was investigated by Sub-Inspector Ramprakash Yadav, in charge of Borgaon outpost, under the supervision of senior police officers.
The Case
As per the police report, on December 12, 2024, the accused beheaded his neighbour Ramnath Bilotiya with an axe over suspicions of witchcraft. The gruesome incident took place in Chhanera village, and the case was registered at Pandhana Police Station under Crime No. 457/24.
Acting swiftly on the complaint lodged by the victim’s wife Shantibai Bilotiya, the police reached the scene, arrested the accused, and seized the murder weapon. During the investigation, the victim’s head and torso were recovered from separate locations.
Forensic and DNA examination confirmed that the bloodstains on the accused’s clothes and the recovered axe matched the victim’s DNA, which became the key evidence accepted by the court.
Swift and Scientific Investigation
The court lauded the scientific and prompt investigation carried out under the direction of Superintendent of Police Manoj Kumar Rai and Deputy Superintendent of Police Anil Singh Chauhan, with guidance from Pandhana Police Station In-Charge Inspector Dilip Devda.
Citing conclusive forensic evidence and the heinous nature of the crime, the court sentenced the accused to death. SP Rai also announced a cash reward for the investigating officer, Sub-Inspector Ramprakash Yadav, for his efficient handling of the case.
This verdict marks the first death sentence in Madhya Pradesh under the newly implemented Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, highlighting the state’s commitment to swift and evidence-based justice.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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