A Delhi court has found Bihar BJP MLA Raju Kumar Singh guilty of culpable homicide not amounting to murder and violating the Arms Act. The conviction is related to the death of a woman architect during celebratory firing at a New Year’s Eve party in 2018 held at a farmhouse in Delhi. Singh was convicted under Section 304 Part II of the Indian Penal Code and Section 30 of the Arms Act for firing from a licensed pistol in a crowded gathering, knowing it could cause death.
The court has ordered Singh’s immediate custody post-conviction, with the sentencing scheduled after arguments on June 9. The potential prison term could impact his political career, possibly leading to disqualification under the Representation of the People Act if it exceeds two years. The incident occurred during a New Year celebration at a Vasant Kunj farmhouse, where a bullet from celebratory gunfire hit Dr. Archana Gupta, resulting in her death despite medical efforts.
Singh’s act of firing during the party was deemed by the court as knowingly endangering lives, leading to the establishment of a case under relevant sections of the IPC and Arms Act. While Singh was convicted, his wife and two other co-accused were acquitted due to insufficient evidence. The court had earlier framed charges in 2023, establishing a prima facie case against Singh for the mentioned offenses.
