New Delhi: In a harrowing case from Sohagpur Session Court in Hoshangabad, Madhya Pradesh, the accused in the rape and murder of a 5-year-old girl requested the death penalty before the judge delivered the verdict. The accused, Kishan alias Chinnu Machhiya, a cousin of the victim, committed the crime in December 2021.Additional District and Sessions Judge SK Choubey asked the accused if he had anything to say before sentencing. Kishan responded, asking for execution. Judge Choubey then cited a verse from the Kishkindha Kand of the Shri Ram Charit Manas, which emphasizes the gravity of violating familial trust, equating such transgressions with casting an evil eye on ones sister, daughter-in-law, or younger brothers wife. The judge remarked that even a death sentence seemed insufficient for such a crime, yet it was delivered as the verdict.What did he sayHe stated, Anuj Badhuu Bhaginii Sut Naarii, Sunu Saṭh Kanyaa Sam E Chaari. Inhahi Kudṛshṭi Bilokai Joii, Taahi Badhe Kachhu Paap N Hoii. (Lord Rama said Oh fool! Listen, the wife of the younger brother , the sister , the wife of the son and the daughter - all four are equal. There is no sin in killing anyone who looks at them with evil eyes.)Heinous crimeKishan had lured the young girl to a rooftop where he strangled her to death out of fear of being caught. Initially, the police had registered the case against an unknown perpetrator, but after a thorough investigation, Kishan was arrested. The court declared the crime as falling under the rarest of rare category due to the gruesome nature of the assault and the victims innocence.Rare case decisionJudge Choubeys sentencing drew widespread approval from those present, who felt justice was served. Assistant Government Prosecutors Shankar Lal Malviya and Babulal Kakodia represented the prosecution. The case was closely followed and concluded with the conviction of the accused, offering some closure to the victims family.
