Koderma News: Jharkhand High Court Reserves Verdict on Death Penalty Appeal for Brutal Family Murder

Ranchi, Novembr 30, 2024: The Jharkhand High Court has reserved its decision on the criminal appeal of Gango Das, who was sentenced to death for the brutal murder of six family members, including his pregnant wife, two children and relatives. The case also involved the state government’s criminal appeal seeking confirmation of the death penalty.

Background of the Case

The horrific incident occurred on November 26, 2019, in Koderma’s Nawalsahi area. According to the case filed by a neighbor, Madan Das, at the Nawalsahi police station, Gango Das returned home intoxicated that evening and began an argument with his wife, Sheela Devi. In a fit of rage, he attacked her with a large knife and a rod, inflicting fatal injuries.

The violence didn’t stop there. Gango Das also killed his four-year-old daughter, Radhika Kumari and his two-year-old son, Piyush Kumar, in the same manner. The chilling crime left the local community in shock.

Witness Accounts and Prosecution

During the trial, Madan Das testified that he heard screams from the house and saw Gango attacking his family members. When Sheela Devi’s mother, Shanti Devi, attempted to intervene, she too was attacked with a rod and knife, sustaining critical injuries. Gango’s rampage extended to his nieces, Chandni Kumari and Nitika Kumari, who were severely injured during the assault.

By the time neighbors intervened and rushed the victims to Sadar Hospital, Sheela Devi, her seven-month-old unborn child, Shanti Devi and Nitika Kumari had succumbed to their injuries. Chandni Kumari, who was critically injured, was transferred to Ranchi for advanced medical care.

Lower Court Verdict

In October 2024, the Koderma District Court found Gango Das guilty under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code. The court sentenced him to death and imposed a fine of ₹10,000. Following the judgment, Gango Das challenged the decision in the Jharkhand High Court.

High Court Proceedings

The High Court heard the appeals filed by both Gango Das and the state government, which sought confirmation of the death penalty. Over ten witnesses were examined during the trial and detailed arguments were presented regarding the brutality of the crime and its impact on the surviving family members.

The defense argued against the death penalty, citing the convict’s mental state and the possibility of reform. However, the prosecution maintained that the heinous nature of the crime warranted the strictest punishment to deter similar offenses in the future.

Community Shock and Demands for Justice

The brutal killings left the local community in mourning and triggered widespread outrage. Residents of Koderma have been vocal in their demands for justice, insisting that the severity of the crime be met with an equally stringent punishment. Social activists and legal experts have also weighed in, emphasizing the need for a fair yet uncompromising approach to such cases of extreme violence.

Current Status

With the High Court reserving its verdict, all eyes are now on the pending judgement, which will decide whether the death sentence is upheld or commuted. Meanwhile, the case continues to serve as a grim reminder of domestic violence’s potential to escalate into unimaginable tragedy.