New Delhi, Sep 29 A Delhi court has convicted a man for holding an 18-year-old youth from behind as a juvenile associate stabbed him in the abdomen during a violent attack in south Delhi in 2017.
Additional Sessions Judge Hargurvarinder Singh Jaggi was hearing a case against Manish, who was accused under IPC Section 307 read with Section 34 for attempting to murder Sonu. The incident took place on October 2, 2017, when Sonu was standing outside his house in Dakshinpuri and talking on his mobile phone.
In an order dated September 28, the court said, "In light of the aforesaid detailed discussion, analysis, and findings based upon evaluation of ocular testimony, medical findings and irrefutable forensic DNA evidence, this court holds that the prosecution has successfully proved its case against accused Manish beyond all reasonable doubt."
According to the prosecution case, Manish and the juvenile approached Sonu and began abusing him. When Sonu objected, Manish grabbed him from behind and held him firmly, leaving him unable to defend himself.
The juvenile then pulled out a knife and stabbed Sonu in the left side of his abdomen.
When Sonu managed to free himself and tried to escape, the juvenile attempted another knife blow aimed at his neck, which he managed to avoid.
Sonu eventually collapsed in a semi-conscious condition on a raised platform in another street. His family members found him and rushed him to Batra Hospital.
The court noted that Sonu had suffered a stab wound in his left flank, with a loop of his bowel protruding from the wound. The medical expert described the injury as dangerous to life.
The prosecution case was also supported by forensic evidence. The court noted that DNA analysis established a match between the victim's blood and blood found on a red T-shirt recovered from Manish's house and on the knife used in the attack.
The court rejected Manish's alibi that he was working as a school bus helper when the attack took place, noting that his defence witness admitted October 2 was Gandhi Jayanti and could not name any school that was open that day.
The court held that Manish's act of restraining the victim, followed by the joint pursuit and threats, established his common intention with the juvenile.
It said the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and convicted Manish under IPC Section 307 read with Section 34.
The court listed the matter for hearing arguments on quantum of sentence on September 30.
