An NIA court finds 28 individuals guilty in the Chandan Gupta murder case in Kasganj

Kasganj: NIA Court Sentences 28 to Life Imprisonment in Chandan Gupta Murder Case

After nearly seven years of legal proceedings, an NIA court in Lucknow has delivered a landmark judgment in the 2018 murder of 22-year-old Chandan Gupta during a communal clash in Kasganj, Uttar Pradesh. The court found 28 individuals guilty of his murder and sentenced them to life imprisonment, marking a significant step toward justice in a case that had shaken the nation.

The tragic incident occurred on January 26, 2018, during a Republic Day ‘Tiranga Yatra’ organized by local youths. What started as a peaceful rally escalated into a violent confrontation between two groups near the Government Girls Inter College. Chandan Gupta, who was part of the rally, was fatally shot during the altercation. His death led to widespread unrest and a demand for swift justice from his grieving family and the community.

Special Judge Vivekanand Sharan Tripathi convicted the accused under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 302 (murder), 307 (attempt to murder), and 147 (rioting), along with provisions of the Arms Act. In addition to the life sentences, each convict was fined ₹80,000. Two individuals, Nasiruddin and Asim Qureshi, were acquitted due to a lack of sufficient evidence, while an arrest warrant has been issued for one absconding accused.

Among those convicted are Salim, Wasim, Naseem, Zahid, and several others who were central figures in the violent clash. Seven of them were also found guilty under the Arms Act. Salim, one of the primary accused, attended the proceedings in a wheelchair, while another, Munajir Rafi, appeared via video conferencing.

The case, investigated by both the Uttar Pradesh Police and the NIA, saw extensive legal scrutiny, with 41 witnesses presenting evidence during the trial. The court’s decision was welcomed by Chandan Gupta’s family, though the pain of losing their son remains. “Justice has been served, but no verdict can bring back our Chandan,” said his father, Sushil Gupta, who filed the original FIR.

The verdict has been hailed as a strong message against communal violence, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law. This case serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of hatred and division and underscores the need for unity and harmony in society.

As Kasganj reflects on this painful chapter, the community hopes the judgment will deter future acts of violence and pave the way for lasting peace.