In Tarn Taran, Punjab, the court convicted Aam Aadmi Party MLA Manjinder Singh Lalpura in the 12-year-old Usman case and sentenced him to four years in jail. The victim and her family welcomed the verdict.
Tarn Taran. A court in Punjab has convicted Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Manjinder Singh Lalpura in the 12-year-old Usman case and sentenced him to four years in jail. The court also found other accused along with Lalpura guilty. Following this verdict, questions have arisen regarding the MLA's assembly membership and political standing.
The Usman Case: What Happened?
On March 3, 2013, Harbinder Kaur, a resident of Usman village in Tarn Taran district, had gone to attend a wedding ceremony with her family. Some taxi drivers present at the ceremony allegedly molested Harbinder Kaur. When the victim protested, the taxi drivers also assaulted her family. Given the seriousness of the incident, the case reached the Supreme Court after action by the local administration and police. The Supreme Court had also issued an order to provide security to the victim and her family.
Lengthy Trial in Court
The trial of this case continued for 12 years in the court of Additional Sessions Judge Prem Kumar. After thorough investigation and examination of evidence, the court declared Manjinder Singh Lalpura guilty. On September 10, the court had also ordered the arrest of Lalpura and other accused, taking them into police custody. Today, while delivering the final verdict, the court sentenced the main accused, Lalpura, to four years imprisonment.
Family's Reaction
Victim Harbinder Kaur and her family considered the court's verdict just. They stated that they had to endure a long struggle of 12 years to get justice, but today they are satisfied that the accused has been punished. The family thanked the court and described the decision as a significant step towards social justice.
