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“Himachal IGP Zaidi and 7 Police Officers Convicted in Kotkhai Custodial Death Case”
India News

“Himachal IGP Zaidi and 7 Police Officers Convicted in Kotkhai Custodial Death Case”

Jan 18, 2025

In a significant ruling, a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court has convicted Himachal Pradesh’s Inspector General of Police Zahur Haider Zaidi and seven others in connection with the custodial death of an accused, Suraj, involved in the gangrape and murder of a minor schoolgirl in Kotkhai, Himachal Pradesh, in 2017.

Convictions in Custodial Death Case

The convicted individuals include:

  • IGP Zahur Haider Zaidi
  • DSP Manoj Joshi
  • SI Rajinder Singh
  • ASI Deep Chand Sharma
  • HHC Mohan Lal
  • HHC Surat Singh
  • HC Rafee Mohammad
  • Constable Ranit Sateta

However, the court acquitted former SP DW Negi.

The court will announce the quantum of sentences on January 27, 2025.

The Case Background

In July 2017, a 16-year-old girl from Kotkhai went missing. Her body was discovered two days later, with the post-mortem confirming rape and murder. Amid public outrage, the Special Investigating Team (SIT) led by Zaidi arrested six individuals. The case took a controversial turn when one of the accused, Suraj, died in police custody.

Subsequently, the Himachal Pradesh High Court transferred the investigation to the CBI, which filed charges against Zaidi and other police officers.

CBI Investigation and Claims

The CBI alleged that the accused had tortured Suraj Singh to extract false confessions and fabricated evidence. Medical reports indicated that Suraj sustained over 20 injuries during police custody. Further, a report by AIIMS doctors confirmed the torture he endured.

According to the CBI, Zaidi submitted a false report to the DGP, concealing facts and misrepresenting the circumstances surrounding Suraj’s death. The CBI prosecutor also claimed that the accused destroyed critical evidence and fabricated reports to cover up the abuse.

Legal Developments

In 2019, the Supreme Court moved the case from Shimla to Chandigarh for expedited resolution. The CBI has now concluded the trial with the conviction of the eight accused after examining over 52 witnesses.

The court’s verdict marks a crucial step in the long-awaited justice process for both the custodial death case and the tragic rape and murder case. The sentencing scheduled for January 27 will further define the consequences for those involved in the grave misconduct.

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