The court delivered a landmark verdict on Thursday in the notorious Begusarai triple murder case. Judge Brajesh Kumar Singh of ADJ-3 sentenced the accused, Vikas Kumar, to death. The court labeled this act as a 'heinous crime'—rare and appalling. Vikas Kumar was brought to Begusarai jail from Beur Jail, where the sentence was communicated via video conferencing.
The chilling events of this case unfolded on Diwali night, October 27, 2019. That night, Vikas Kumar forcibly entered his home and shot his brother Kunal Kumar, sister-in-law Kanchan Devi, and niece Sonam Kumari, leaving a lasting shock in the community.
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Shot at Nephew as Well, Narrow Escape
During the incident, Vikas also fired at his nephew, Shivam Kumar. According to Shivam, the accused shot at him twice, but his life was spared when the cartridges ran out, and one bullet misfired. Shivam escaped and lodged a formal complaint, initiating the legal proceedings.
Shivam recounts witnessing the horror as he rushed inside upon hearing gunfire, finding his parents and sister gunned down. The accused attempted to kill him too, but lack of ammunition saved his life. With the arrival of others, Vikas fled the scene.
Previously Committed Two Murders
Investigations revealed a darker past for Vikas Kumar, having previously murdered two family members. In November 2012, he fatally shot his uncle, Arun Kumar, at home and was sentenced to life imprisonment. However, he managed to gain release through forged bail papers from the High Court.
After his release, in June 2017, he killed his aunt, Mani Devi, outside her home. That case is being heard in the ADJ-4 court. In 2019, the string of murders continued with the killing of his brother, sister-in-law, and niece, rooted in land disputes and greed for inheritance.
Verdict Based on Testimonies from Six Witnesses
Public prosecutor Ram Prakash Yadav explained that the court heard testimonies from six witnesses and ruled it a rare case, handing down the death sentence. He highlighted the rarity of such an incident, where one individual murders an uncle, aunt, brother, sister-in-law, and niece.
The prosecutor emphasized the disgrace of such an individual remaining free in society, thus justifying the stringent verdict. Four days post the triple murder, police arrested Vikas Kumar in Deoghar.
Victims' Family Expresses Gratification
Shivam Kumar, the son of the deceased, expressed satisfaction with the court's decision. He stated that his uncle murdered them over land greed, believing complete control would follow with the family's destruction.
Shivam noted that the court's decision brought them justice. Despite the accused being a close relative, it was essential for justice to prevail. The sentencing has brought relief and contentment to the grieving family.
