A court in Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh, has convicted two accused in the nearly six-year-old Shraddha Singh murder case. Fast Track Court II convicted Subhash Singh Chauhan and Jaikaran under charges including murder, with a hearing on their sentences scheduled for September 17, 2026.
The case relates to Tadrasa Aijar village in the Baldirai police station area of Sultanpur. According to the report, Shraddha Singh was collecting water from a hand pump installed in front of her house when she was called. It is alleged that Jaikaran, Subhash Singh Chauhan and others tied her hands and legs, after which kerosene was poured over her and she was set on fire.
People in the surrounding area were thrown into a commotion following the incident. After hearing cries for help, local residents reached the spot, but the accused had fled. Shraddha was taken to a hospital in critical condition. She was first taken to CHC Dhanpatganj and was later referred from the district hospital to the Lucknow Trauma Centre, where she died during treatment.
After Shraddha's death, her mother, Archana Devi, filed a first information report with the police. Police registered a case against Jagbaran Yadav, Subhash Singh Chauhan, Jaikaran and Mahant under charges including murder.
Following the investigation, a charge sheet was filed in court against Subhash Singh and Jaikaran. Later, based on action taken by the prosecution, Jagbaran Yadav and Mahant were also summoned to appear before the court for trial. Judicial proceedings concerning the roles of the accused consequently continued at different stages.
The case was heard by Fast Track Court II. On Wednesday, the court convicted Subhash Singh Chauhan and Jaikaran under charges including murder. Following their conviction, the court ordered that both be sent to jail.
The court had fixed September 17 for hearing arguments on their sentences. The court is therefore scheduled to determine on Thursday how much punishment the two convicts will receive under the applicable charges.
According to reports, both accused were sent to jail after the incident and were not granted bail in view of the seriousness of the case.
Meanwhile, another accused in the case, Mahant Chauhan, was arrested by police in July 2026 and produced before the court. The court sent him to judicial custody in the district jail. His case file has been separated, and proceedings against him are continuing separately.
In the case of another accused, Jagbaran Yadav, proceedings in his case file were reportedly stayed following an order of the High Court. His judicial proceedings are therefore in a separate position. Mahant Chauhan was arrested after remaining absconding, while proceedings against him have since moved forward.
The Shraddha Singh murder case dates back to 2020, but the judicial process continued for a prolonged period. The conviction of Subhash Singh Chauhan and Jaikaran has now brought the case involving these two accused to the sentencing stage.
There is a legal distinction between conviction and sentencing. The court has first held the two accused guilty of the offences, and an order concerning the duration of their sentences and other punishment is now to be passed.
The proceedings in the case advanced on the basis of allegations made by the family, the police investigation and the evidence presented before the court. After the judicial process, the court convicted the two accused. The court will now decide the sentence in accordance with the charges and applicable legal provisions.
Shraddha was 16 years old at the time of the incident. She was taken to Lucknow for advanced treatment after suffering severe burn injuries, but she died during treatment.
At present, Subhash Singh Chauhan and Jaikaran have been convicted in the case. Proceedings involving Jagbaran Yadav and Mahant Chauhan remain at different stages. Mahant was arrested in July and proceedings against him have continued, while proceedings in Jagbaran's case file have reportedly been stayed following the High Court's order.
Therefore, a final judgment concerning all accused in the case has not been reached at the same time. The next stage for Subhash Singh Chauhan and Jaikaran is the sentencing hearing scheduled for September 17, 2026.
