Srinagar, Mar 06, KDC: In a significant development, a court in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, has handed a life imprisonment sentence to Sajid Altaf Sheikh for a brutal acid attack on a 24-year-old woman who had allegedly rejected his marriage proposal in February 2022. The juvenile accomplice is facing trial before the Juvenile Justice Board. The Principal District and Sessions Court pronounced the verdict, imposing a life sentence and a Rs 40 lakh fine on the convict for the offences under Section 34 and 326-A of the Indian Penal Code, reported news agency Kashmir Dot Com.
The judgment highlighted the heinous nature of the attack, causing permanent disfigurement to the victim, and emphasized that no leniency was warranted, justifying the maximum punishment of life imprisonment. The victim, expressing gratitude for the verdict, called for a blanket ban on acid sales.
During the sentencing arguments, the Public Prosecutor underscored the severity of the crime, citing the victim’s extensive medical expenses of Rs 48 lakh and partial blindness. The defense, led by Advocate Amir Rasheed Masoodi, argued against emotional decision-making, asserting the convict’s readiness to compensate the victim with Rs 10 lakh.
Earlier, the court had found Sajid Altaf Sheikh guilty and acquitted another accused, Mohammad Saleem Kumar, from grave charges while convicting him under Section 336 IPC. The police investigation, led by a special team, resulted in a comprehensive chargesheet, highlighting the gravity of the case. The victim, having undergone 23 surgeries, faces ongoing medical expenses, with concerns raised about potential rising costs. (KDC)
