4 of the 7 suspects in the Kanjhawala case are accused of murder in Delhi.

4 of the 7 suspects in the Kanjhawala case are accused of murder in Delhi.

In a significant development, a Delhi court has decided to proceed with the trial of seven accused in the Kanjhawala hit-and-drag case, where a young woman lost her life in a horrifying incident that shocked the nation. The court held that there is substantial evidence on record to frame charges against the suspects.

The gruesome incident occurred on New Year’s Day when a grey Maruti Suzuki Baleno, driven by four individuals—Amit Khanna, Manoj Mittal, Krishan, and Mithun—collision with 20-year-old Anjali Kumari’s scooter in Sultanpuri. Tragically, the impact entangled her body under the car, which continued to drive for an appalling distance of at least 14 kilometres over the course of two hours before her mangled body was dislodged and found in outer Delhi’s Kanjhawala. The accused now face charges of murder, conspiracy, and destruction of evidence under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.

Additionally, the court has accused three others, Deepak Khanna, Ankush Khanna, and Ashutosh Bhardwaj, of evidence tampering, harbouring offenders, and providing false information, for which they will also face trial.

Delhi Police filed an 800-page charge sheet on April 1, detailing that the four individuals in the car were aware that Anjali Kumari was trapped beneath the vehicle. Despite stopping about 500–600 metres away from the accident site, three of them got off and inspected the underside of the Baleno, yet they chose not to rescue her. The police asserted that they deliberately and knowingly dragged her for a considerable distance, resulting in her death.

In a courtroom charged with anticipation, the trial of four individuals accused in the tragic death of Anjali Kumari is set to begin on August 14. The charges framed by Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Neeraj Gaur paint a grim picture, accusing Amit Khanna, Manoj Mittal, Krishan, and Mithun under sections 302 (murder), 201 (disappearance of evidence), 212 (harbouring offender), and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code. Additionally, Amit faces charges under sections 279 and 337 of the IPC for rash and negligent driving and sections 181 and 185 of the Motor Vehicle Act for driving without a licence or under the influence of drugs.

The trial proceedings are expected to shed light on the events that led to the untimely demise of Anjali Kumari. Special Public Prosecutor Atul Srivastava has asserted that the four accused conspired to drag the victim, who was entangled with the vehicle. The severity of this act justifies the charges of murder and conspiracy against them. The court will closely examine the evidence presented to determine the truth behind these allegations and deliver justice to the grieving family and society at large.

Meanwhile, the defence counsel, JP Singh, representing Amit, Krishan, Manoj, and Mithun, has sought their discharge from the murder charge. Singh argued that there is no substantial evidence or witness testimony to prove that the accused were aware of Anjali Kumari’s presence under the vehicle. He further emphasized that the only statements supporting this claim were the disclosure statements given by the accused themselves. Singh asserted that the absence of CCTV footage showing the accused inspecting the underside of the car raises doubts about their alleged involvement in the victim’s death.

As the nation awaits the trial proceedings, the courtroom becomes the centre stage for the pursuit of justice. The tragic loss of Anjali Kumari’s life has deeply affected the public, who yearns for the truth to emerge and for those responsible to be held accountable for their actions. The courtroom atmosphere is filled with tension as both sides prepare to present their cases.

Amit Khanna, Manoj Mittal, Krishan, and Mithun, who are the primary accused in the case, remain in judicial custody, reflecting the seriousness of the charges levied against them. On the other hand, the three other accused—Deepak Khanna, Ankush Khanna, and Ashutosh Bhardwaj—have been granted bail, indicating a difference in their level of involvement in the alleged crime.

The trial is expected to witness a series of testimonies, cross-examinations, and expert opinions, all aimed at uncovering the truth. The Delhi court will meticulously analyse the evidence and arguments presented by both the prosecution and defence to arrive at an impartial and just verdict. The eyes of the nation are fixed on this pivotal trial, seeking closure for Anjali Kumari’s family and hoping for justice to be served.

As the legal proceedings begin, the focus will be on the accused, who will be present in Delhi court to enter their pleas, either pleading guilty or choosing to go on trial. The court will ensure that the trial is conducted fairly, allowing both sides to present their cases and provide their arguments.

Beyond the legal aspects, the trial serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and responsible behaviour. It highlights the devastating consequences of negligence and recklessness on the roads, urging society to be more vigilant and considerate towards others.

In the pursuit of justice for Anjali Kumari, the trial will test the strength of the Indian legal system and its ability to bring closure to a grieving family and restore faith in the rule of law. As the trial progresses, the nation stands united in the hope that truth prevails and justice is served.