Police file charge sheet, prosecution to seek harshest punishment for Gunjan’s killer 

PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE /Dehradun 

The police filed a charge sheet on Thursday within 72 hours of Gunjan Srivastava’s murder which took place on Monday in the busiest market area of Dehradun’s Paltan Bazaar. The charge sheet has been filed under Sections 103(1) and 109(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).  Dehradun senior superintendent of police Ajai Singh said the heinous murder will be argued in court under the “rarest of rare” category, and strong prosecution will be pursued to ensure the harshest possible punishment to the accused. The investigation in the case was conducted by sub-Inspector Rajeesh Shah.

Singh stated that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed in the murder case has completed its investigation. The SIT collected scientific and forensic evidence, examined CCTV footage related to the incident, and recorded statements of eyewitnesses and people known to the victim. A post mortem examination was conducted by specialist doctors and its findings have been made the basis of the investigation.

Officials said that the police filed the charge sheet in this heinous crime within three days, even though the SIT was given seven days to complete the probe. Evidence collected during the probe included the victim’s bloodied clothes which were sent for lab testing. The police also seized the vehicle used in the crime and the sharp weapon (chopper). CCTV footage was used to track the movements of the accused. The police have sought a fast-track court trial so that the accused can be awarded strict punishment at the earliest. It may be recalled that the accused Akash Kumar slit Gunjan’s throat fatally. The police later arrested the accused and produced him before the court, which sent him to 14 days of judicial custody.

Police team visits crime scene for internal probe

DEHRADUN: The internal investigation team of the police visited the crime scene in the Gunjan murder case on Thursday to collect evidence. The officer in charge of the investigation, Superintendent of Police (Crime) Visakha Ashok Bhadane, inspected the spot and interacted with local residents. She also met Gunjan’s mother and spoke to her. The police HQ formed the teams after it was alleged that the police didn’t act as required following the victim’s complaint about the accused harassing and threatening her.

She said that the police are handling the case with sensitivity as it involves a woman. At the headquarters level, a separate team has also been formed for the case. She added that if any negligence is found on the part of the police, it will be addressed. That is why the crime scene was inspected again. All actions taken at the police station and police outpost will also be examined, and strict action will be taken if any lapse is found at any level.