“Delhi Court Convicts Four in 2008 Journalist Soumya Vishwanathan Murder Case”

In a significant development, a Delhi court has reached a verdict in the long-pending case of journalist Soumya Vishwanathan’s 2008 murder. Additional Sessions Judge Ravindra Kumar Pandey presided over the case and convicted four men: Ravi Kapoor, Amit Shukla, Baljeet Malik, and Ajay Kumar, for their roles in the murder. Additionally, a fifth accused, Ajay Sethi, was found guilty of receiving stolen property and involvement in an organized crime plot.

The prosecution’s case relied on detailed evidence, scientific analysis, and eyewitness accounts, with Kapoor’s confessional statement playing a pivotal role. The recovery of a key piece of evidence, the Wagon R vehicle used in the incident, was crucial to the case.

The defense challenged the validity of Kapoor’s confession, alleging police pressure and missing signatures. However, the court rejected these claims, emphasizing that the statement was made voluntarily and followed legal procedures.

The court also considered ACP Mohd. Ali’s testimony, which established Kapoor’s leadership in an organized crime group, and the criminal records of the other accused. The presentation of evidence, including the recovery of a country-made pistol and live cartridges, further strengthened the prosecution’s case.

This verdict comes after more than 15 years of legal proceedings, involving over 300 hearings and the examination of 97 witnesses. The court is expected to announce the sentencing in the coming week.

The case had a breakthrough in 2009 when one of the accused confessed to his involvement in Vishwanathan’s murder during the investigation into the killing of BPO employee Jigisha Ghosh.

Soumya Vishwanathan’s parents expressed their satisfaction with the conviction of her killers but acknowledged that their daughter’s absence can never be filled. Soumya’s mother, Madhavi Vishwanathan, stated, “Our daughter is already gone, but I’m happy this conviction will definitely act as a deterrent for others.”

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This verdict represents a significant step toward delivering justice in the tragic murder of journalist Soumya Vishwanathan and marks the culmination of a lengthy legal process spanning over a decade and a half.

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