The Supreme Court on Tuesday suspended the life imprisonment sentences of 2 convicts involved in the 2003 murder of Nationalist Congress Party leader Ram Avatar Jaggi in Chhattisgarh’s Raipur.
Jaggi, the treasurer of NCP, was fatally shot on June 4, 2003, while driving. His murder occurred amidst escalating political tensions as the NCP was planning a major rally in Raipur, just days before the 2003 Assembly elections.
This event added to the political volatility of the time, with the NCP’s actions seen as a challenge to the ruling Congress government led by Chief Minister Ajit Jogi.
In the case, 28 individuals were convicted for their involvement, and the Chhattisgarh High Court upheld their life sentences on April 4, 2024.
The Supreme Court bench, consisting of Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar, heard submissions from the defense, including senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, representing one of the convicts.
The Court rejected a plea for bail and suspension of sentence for convict Yahya Dhebar but granted bail and suspended the life sentences for convicts Abhay Goyal and Feroz Sidhiquie.
The Court also set a date for hearing additional petitions from the other convicts, which will begin the week of December 9. These petitions challenge the High Court’s verdict, and the Supreme Court intends to hear them for final consideration soon.
The case initially investigated by the state police was later transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) after allegations surfaced about a politically motivated cover-up. The CBI’s investigation revealed a conspiracy involving hired criminals and police complicity, with attempts to frame imposters to protect the real culprits.
The High Court concluded that the murder stemmed from political rivalry, with the accused conspiring to eliminate Jaggi to curb the NCP’s rising influence. While the prosecution alleged involvement of close associates of Chief Minister Jogi, including his son Amit Jogi, Amit Jogi was acquitted.
The High Court’s findings indicated that the plot was hatched in meetings at key locations, including the chief minister’s residence and local hotels.
The case also highlighted the involvement of police officers, who were found to have concealed evidence and framed false suspects. Despite the defense’s appeals, the High Court affirmed the guilt of the 28 convicted individuals, sentencing them to life imprisonment under various sections of the Indian Penal Code.
The convicted individuals included police officers, political associates, and professional criminals involved in executing the murder.
Several of the convicted individuals, including Chiman Singh, Yahya Dhebar, and others, received life sentences.
