Capital punishment for Matigara Rape and Murder Convict in Landmark Siliguri Court Verdict

KalimNews, Siliguri, September 7, 2024 : In a landmark judgement, Judge Anita Malhotra of the Additional First Court of Siliguri sentenced Mohammad Abbas to death on Saturday for his involvement in the Matigara rape and murder case. Abbas was found guilty of charges under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for murder and Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act, 2012. The court also imposed a seven-year prison sentence on him for kidnapping and ordered him to pay Rs 10 lakh in compensation to the victim's family.

The conviction was based on a variety of evidence, including CCTV footage, DNA test results, the accused’s cycle-riding pattern, digital evidence, and witness testimonials presented before the court. The incident occurred on August 21, 2023, when a minor girl was brutally raped and murdered in an abandoned area near Darjeeling More in Siliguri. The trial began in January 2024.

The courtroom was filled with emotion as hundreds of people, including members of various NGOs, gathered outside the court compound and cheered upon hearing the judge's decision. Government prosecutor Bivash Chatterjee was warmly welcomed as he exited the court, with supporters offering him traditional "khada" scarves and Nepali caps.

Chatterjee described the judgment as a "historic pronouncement" and commended the efforts of the police, media, and all others who stood by the victim's family. He also mentioned that the case would be forwarded to the Calcutta High Court for confirmation of the death sentence. He further explained that before the execution could take place, the accused has the right to appeal to the High Court, and subsequently, to the Supreme Court if needed.

Siliguri Police Commissioner C. Sudhakar and Bivash Chatterjee later addressed a press conference. Commissioner Sudhakar stated, "We filed the charge sheet within the stipulated timeframe, reviewed the case periodically, and supported the victim's family through every challenge. We are satisfied with the sentence."

Sudhakar further pointed out that this was the first time in Siliguri's history that a verdict was based on the evidence of a cycle-riding pattern. The police had conducted an experiment where they made the accused ride a bicycle. The pattern of his ride matched the CCTV footage showing Abbas carrying the girl on the bicycle's back seat near City Centre on the day of the crime.

Bula Roy, the defense lawyer for Mohammad Abbas, expressed dissatisfaction with the verdict, stating, "I am disappointed with the judgment as this was not the rarest of rare cases. I have spoken to the accused, and he wishes to appeal to the High Court. We are currently preparing the necessary documents for the appeal."

The case now awaits the Calcutta High Court's approval before the death sentence can be executed.