Shimla sexual assault-murder: Life imprisonment for 8 cops in accused Suraj custodial death case
PTC Web Desk: Chandigarh's CBI court has delivered its verdict in the infamous Gudiya sexual assault and murder case from Kotkhai, Shimla.
The court sentenced eight policemen, Himachal Pradesh Inspector General (IG) Zahoor Haider Zaidi, the then DSP of Theog Manoj Joshi, former Kotkhai SHO Rajinder Singh, ASI Deep Chand, Head Constable Surat Singh, and constables Mohan Lal, Rafiq Ali, and Ranjit Singh, to life imprisonment for their involvement in the custodial death of Suraj, an accused in the case.
The case dates back to July 4, 2017, when a 16-year-old girl went missing while returning from school in Kotkhai, Shimla. Two days later, her body was discovered in a nearby forest, sparking outrage across Himachal Pradesh.
An SIT led by IG Zaidi was tasked with investigating the case. The team arrested five suspects, including Suraj and Raju. However, Suraj’s death during police interrogation on July 18, 2017, raised suspicions of custodial torture, fueling public anger and demands for justice.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) took over the case on July 22, 2017. Following a detailed investigation, the CBI arrested IG Zaidi, DSP Manoj Joshi, and other police personnel for their role in Suraj's custodial death.
In a separate investigation, the CBI arrested a local woodcutter, Nillu, who was convicted in 2021 and sentenced to life imprisonment for the sexual assault and murder of the 16-year-old girl.
Timeline of Events
July 4, 2017: The 16-year-old girl goes missing in Kotkhai.
July 6, 2017: Her body is recovered from a forest.
July 18, 2017: Suraj dies during interrogation at Kotkhai police station.
July 22, 2017: The CBI takes over the case, registering two separate FIRs for sexual assault-murder and custodial death.
August 29, 2017: The CBI arrests IG Zaidi, DSP Joshi, and eight others in connection with Suraj’s death.
November 16, 2017: SP DW Negi is arrested by the CBI.
June 18, 2021: Nillu is convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for the sexual assault and murder.
January 18, 2025: CBI court convicts eight policemen for Suraj’s custodial death.
- PTC NEWS
