Here's a breakdown of an interesting court case that lasted over three decades, involving Suresh Sahu and another person, who were finally found not guilty on November 27, 2025. Let's dive into the details.
Back on August 30, 1994, Suresh Sahu and another were found guilty by the 3rd Additional Judicial Commissioner in Ranchi. They were accused under Sections 120B, 302, and 302/149 of the Indian Penal Code for allegedly being involved in a murder. The court sentenced them to life in prison.
Suresh Sahu and the other accused weren't happy with the conviction and appealed to the High Court of Jharkhand in Ranchi. Their appeal (Criminal Appeal No. 150 of 1994) led to their release on bail, but on February 10, 2023, the High Court upheld the life sentence and added a fine of Rs. 2,000.
After the High Court's decision, Suresh Sahu and the other accused turned themselves in on May 1, 2023, and have been in custody since then.
The story began on May 11, 1990, when Gajendra Prasad Gupta was selling sweets at the Jatra Mela in Jhinjhari. A disagreement over payment led to threats against Gajendra. Later, while going home, Gajendra was attacked with sticks and hockey sticks by unknown people. He was taken to a hospital in Ranchi but sadly passed away on May 12, 1990.
Two reports were filed: the first on May 12, 1990, and another on May 13, 1990. The initial report didn't name the accused, but the second report implicated Suresh Sahu and Aditya Sahu, suggesting a motive related to a family disagreement over land and jobs.
During the trial, several witnesses, including Gajendra's sisters, claimed to have heard him name his attackers. However, inconsistencies and delayed statements cast doubt on their trustworthiness. The defense pointed out these issues, questioning the reliability of the prosecution's case.
The Supreme Court, led by Justice Sandeep Mehta, found major problems in the investigation and trial. The failure to question key witnesses and the poor recording of the accused's statements were crucial in the court's decision to find Suresh Sahu and the other accused not guilty.
"The prosecution has miserably failed to fasten the guilt upon the accused-appellants," the judgment stated.
After 35 long years, Suresh Sahu and the other accused were found not guilty, highlighting significant mistakes in the judicial process. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough investigations and fair trials in the pursuit of justice.
