UP Court Awards Death Penalty In 40 Days To Man Who Smashed Toddler To Death Over Rejected Proposal

Last Updated:July 10, 2026, 19:23 IST

A Firozabad court sentenced a man to death for murdering his 18-month-old nephew, delivering the verdict just 40 days after the crime.

A court in Uttar Pradesh’s Firozabad has sentenced a man to death for the brutal murder of his 18-month-old nephew, bringing one of the state’s fastest murder trials to a close just 40 days after the crime.

District and Sessions Judge Dr Babbu Sarang pronounced the death sentence on Friday after convicting Jitendra Pathak alias Viraj a day earlier. The case was heard on priority, with the court completing the trial in record time.

According to District Government Counsel Rajiv Upadhyay, the incident took place on May 30 in Yadav Colony under the Shikohabad police station limits. Viraj had visited his sister-in-law, Rati, a resident of Bamai village under the Araon police station area, who was staying with relatives in Shikohabad.

The prosecution said Viraj had wanted to marry Rati, but she rejected his proposal. Police said he believed her one-and-a-half-year-old son, Aarav, was an obstacle to his plans.

Driven by that motive, Viraj allegedly picked up the toddler and repeatedly slammed him against the ground, killing him on the spot. He then carried the child’s body on his shoulder while attempting to flee. However, after locals noticed him, he abandoned the body and escaped.

Police launched a swift investigation, arrested the accused and filed the charge sheet promptly. The prosecution also ensured that statements of all witnesses were recorded within six days, significantly speeding up the trial.

Speaking after the verdict, Government Advocate Rajiv Upadhyay said the court relied on the evidence presented by the prosecution while awarding the death penalty.

“Today marks one month and ten days since the incident. Thirteen witnesses testified on our behalf, and based on the evidence, District Judge Dr Babbu Sarang has sentenced the accused, Viraj, to death," he said.

News india UP Court Awards Death Penalty In 40 Days To Man Who Smashed Toddler To Death Over Rejected Proposal

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