Ankita was set on fire by stalker Shahrukh (Image Source: X)
Two years after the brutal killing of 15-year-old Ankita, the accused, receive punishment. Shahrukh Hussain and Nayeem Ansari, also known as Chotu, were handed life sentences by a court in the Dumka district of Jharkhand on March 28 (Thursday) for setting Ankita Singh on fire in her sleep. The tragic incident, resulting in the death of the victim, occurred in August 2022. Shahrukh Hussain’s fury stemmed from Ankita’s rejection of his proposal to convert to Islam and marry, leading him and his accomplice to commit the heinous act.
According to public prosecutor Champa Kumar, the accused were also ordered to pay a penalty of Rs 1.05 lakh, to be given to the deceased’s father.
The sentencing was delivered by Additional District Judge/Special Judge Ramesh Chandra of POCSO, Dumka, following the conclusion of arguments from both sides on March 19, after which the order was reserved.
An FIR number 200/2022 was registered at the Dumka city police station based on the victim’s statement. Charges under Sections 302, 307, 326 A, 354, 504, 506, 509, 34, and 120 B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act were invoked.
A total of 51 witnesses testified during the expedited trial, leading to the conviction of both culprits.
Public Prosecutor Champa Kumari stated that after considering the evidence, Judge Ramesh Chandra found the accused guilty. Under Section 302 of the IPC, the offenders were sentenced to life imprisonment with a fine of Rs 25,000 each, facing an additional year of imprisonment for non-payment of the fine.
Additionally, Section 120B of the IPC led to a life sentence and an extra fine of Rs 25,000 each for conspiracy to murder, with another year of imprisonment in case of non-payment. Shahrukh Hussain was also found guilty of intimidation under Section 506 of the IPC, resulting in a two-year prison term. Furthermore, he received a two-year sentence and a Rs. 5000 fine under the POCSO Act, with a three-month jail term for non-payment. All fines collected will be given to Ankita Singh’s family.
The tragic incident occurred on the morning of August 23, 2022, when the victim was asleep in her room and was set on fire by Shahrukh and Nayeem. Ankita Singh, a 17-year-old student of class 12, suffered 90 per cent burns. Despite being initially treated at Phulo Jhano Medical College and Hospital in Dumka, she succumbed to her injuries on August 27, 2022, at Rajendra Institute of Medical Science (RIMS) in Ranchi.
Ankita Singh had reported to the police about Shahrukh Hussain’s persistent harassment, which escalated to threats of violence. Days after her death, videos of her final words expressing her desire for justice went viral on social media, highlighting the profound impact of the tragic incident.
She said, “He should die the way I am dying today.”
What Ankita’s father told this correspondent?
Sanjeev Singh in conversation with this correspondent, said that Shahrukh resides in their neighborhood. He revealed that Shahrukh had been persistently stalking his daughter for over a year. Shahrukh would trail her on her route to school, manage to obtain her contact information, and commence making unsolicited calls to her.
Sanjeev explained that Shahrukh desired a “romantic relationship” with Ankita. However, Ankita declined his advances, citing her aspirations for a career. Shahrukh then attempted to coerce her by promising to assist her in becoming a police officer if she acquiesced to his proposal.
“Shahrukh would insistently tell her, ‘Marry me, convert to Islam, or I will make your life unbearable,'” Sanjeev recounted.
When asked if Shahrukh used an alias to introduce himself, Sanjeev affirmed that he consistently identified himself as Shahrukh Hussain from the beginning. “He persisted in pressuring my daughter to marry him and convert to Islam for months. He was unilaterally infatuated, a relentless pursuer.”
Fed up with his relentless pursuit, Ankita began to frequently skip school and accompanied her father to her coaching classes. Sanjeev emphasized that Ankita was a diligent student academically.
He disclosed that he has been solely responsible for raising his children since his wife passed away several years ago. Engaged in private employment, he added, “I attend to my children only during the early morning and late evening hours.”
Sanjeev recounted how Shahrukh “crossed all limits” a few months back when he attempted to forcefully enter their home. Only after the children raised an alarm did neighbours intervene and assist in restraining Shahrukh.
“They even resorted to physical force against him. Yet, his conduct remained unchanged.”
Having shared this ordeal, Sanjeev expressed his inability to provide further details, stating his desire for justice for his daughter.
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