A BJP MLA has been convicted in an old case involving firing during a celebration. Pronouncing the final verdict in the case, a court sentenced BJP MLA Raju Kumar Singh to four years of imprisonment. Following this, Raju Kumar’s MLA post was also revoked. It is noteworthy that the convicted Raju Kumar Singh is the MLA from Sahebganj constituency in Bihar.
Delivering the verdict in the case that occurred in 2018, the Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi announced the sentence on Saturday. The court also ordered compensation of ₹25 lakh to the family of the deceased woman.
According to the court’s ruling, Raju Kumar Singh has been convicted under Section 304 (Part II) of the Indian Penal Code and various sections of the Arms Act. On the night of December 31, 2018, a woman doctor named Dr. Archana Gupta was killed in celebratory firing during New Year celebrations.
While pronouncing the judgment, the court observed that celebratory firing has become a serious social problem in the country. The court also noted that the death occurred due to Raju Kumar Singh’s negligence.
During the investigation, a weapon and ammunition were recovered from the accused. During the trial, the prosecution argued that a public representative who makes laws himself had violated the law in this case.
As per the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, if any MP or MLA is sentenced to two years or more in a criminal case, they become disqualified as a public representative from the day of conviction. Accordingly, Raju Kumar Singh’s MLA post has also been cancelled.
Raju Kumar Singh has been elected as an MLA multiple times since 2005. He won elections as a candidate of Lok Janshakti Party, Janata Dal (United), VIP, and later BJP. He had also served as the Tourism Minister in the Bihar government.
