**Chandigarh Court Sentences Man to Death for Rape and Murder of Minor**
A 41-year-old man has been sentenced to death by Chandigarh’s Fast Track Special Court for the heinous crime of raping and murdering an eight-year-old girl. This landmark ruling marks the first instance of a death sentence being handed down for a crime in Chandigarh.
The convict, identified as Heera Lal, also known as Guddu, was a neighbor of the victim. He committed the brutal act by slitting the girl’s throat and stabbing her. The young girl went missing on January 19, prompting her family to file a missing person report. Tragically, her body was discovered in a garbage heap near her home in Hallomajra during the night of January 21-22, 2024.
A post-mortem examination confirmed that the girl had been both raped and murdered. The investigation led to the recovery of the victim’s slippers from a neighboring house, which belonged to Heera Lal, who was initially missing. Police utilized CCTV footage to identify the suspect, who was apprehended in Bihar after a week-long search.
Reports indicate that Heera Lal had relocated to Chandigarh from Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, and was residing in close proximity to the victim. Following thorough investigations, a chargesheet was filed against him, detailing offenses under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 201, 302, 363, 366, 376, 376(3), 376 AB, and 511, as well as section 6 of the POCSO Act. The court’s conviction was supported by DNA evidence and other critical findings.
This case highlights the urgent need for stringent measures against such violent crimes and serves as a reminder of the importance of justice for victims and their families.
**FAQ**
**What was the outcome of the Chandigarh court case involving the eight-year-old girl?**
The Chandigarh Fast Track Special Court sentenced Heera Lal to death for the rape and murder of the eight-year-old girl, marking a significant legal precedent in the region.
