Verdict in Uttar Pradesh’s Dihuli massacre case after 43 years: 3 accused sentenced to death

Mainpuri Sessions Court delivers verdict

Firozabad (Uttar Pradesh) – On March 18 ^th , the Mainpuri Special District Court sentenced 3 accused to death for the mass killing of 24 Dalit Hindus in Dihuli village on November 18^th , 1981. The court also imposed a fine of ₹2 lakh each on 2 convicts and ₹1 lakh on 1 convict.

While delivering the verdict, District Judge Indira Singh remarked that the mass killing of 24 people was a grave and heinous crime, warranting no lesser punishment than the death penalty. The court specified in its order that the death sentence will be submitted to the High Court for confirmation and will not be carried out until the High Court makes its decision.

1. The death sentence was imposed on Rampal, Ramsevak, and Captain Singh, who now have the right to challenge the verdict in the High Court within 30 days.

2. The massacre of 24 Dalits occurred in Dihuli village of Firozabad district on November 18^th , 1981, at 6 pm. A gang of armed robbers stormed the village to intimidate witnesses in a case, opening fire on men, women, and children, resulting in 24 deaths.

3. The case was initially heard in the Mainpuri Sessions Court before moving to the Allahabad High Court. On October 19^th , 2024, the case was transferred back to the Mainpuri Sessions Court for a hearing in the Special Robbery Court as per the District Judge’s order.

Editorial Perspective

Justice delayed is injustice ! It took 2 generations for the Sessions Court to deliver its verdict. Now, if the case proceeds to the Supreme Court, the public is left wondering how many more generations it will take for justice to be finally served.