Summary: Ajay, initially found guilty of murder, had his charge changed to a lesser offense. This decision was made by the Delhi High Court on February 9, 2026, after looking into the details of the case.
On June 3, 2015, around 3:00 AM, a rickshaw puller named Rakesh was attacked at Kamla Nehru Park, Delhi. Witnesses said that Ajay tried to rob Rakesh, leading to a fight. During the argument, Ajay hit Rakesh with a cement tile, causing serious head injuries that led to his death.
"The deceased Rakesh was stated to be a cycle rickshaw puller who was sleeping on his rickshaw at the said location at the relevant time."
The police got a call at 3:47 AM and arrived at the scene to find Rakesh injured. He was taken to Hindu Rao Hospital and later died from his injuries. Ajay was caught near the park shortly after the incident.
Ajay was first found guilty of murder by the Sessions Court on April 26, 2025, and sentenced to life in prison. However, the charges of robbery were not proven.
"The prosecution has successfully proved the ingredients of offence punishable under Sec. 302 IPC against accused Ajay beyond reasonable doubt."
Ajay appealed the conviction, arguing that the crime was not planned. His defense claimed the incident happened because of a sudden fight with no intent to kill. The High Court, led by Justices Prathiba M. Singh and Madhu Jain, looked at the evidence again.
The court decided that the attack was not planned and happened in the heat of the moment. Because of this, Ajay's conviction was changed to a lesser charge of culpable homicide under Section 304 Part I IPC.
"The act was committed without premeditation, in a sudden fight, in the heat of passion, and without the offender taking undue advantage or acting in a cruel or unusual manner."
Ajay had already spent over seven years in prison. Considering this, the court decided that the time he had already served was enough for his new conviction and ordered his immediate release.
"The Appellant is sentenced to the period of imprisonment already undergone for the offence under Section 304 Part I IPC."
