HYDERABAD: In a significant development, the Nalgonda court has pronounced its verdict in the Pranay murder case, sentencing one of the accused to death and four others to life imprisonment.
The case dates back to September 14, 2018, when Pranay Kumar, a 23-year-old Dalit man, was brutally murdered in Miryalaguda, Telangana. The incident occurred in broad daylight while Pranay was accompanying his pregnant wife, Amrutha Varshini, outside a hospital. The attack was captured on CCTV, leading to widespread outrage.
Pranay and Amrutha’s inter-caste marriage faced severe opposition from Amrutha’s family, particularly her father, Maruthi Rao, who was allegedly against their union due to caste differences. This opposition culminated in the heinous act, which was widely condemned as an honor killing.
Following the incident, eight individuals were arrested under the SC/ST Atrocities Act and charged with murder. In 2019, all but Subhash Sharma, the hired assassin, were granted bail. The main accused, Maruthi Rao, was found dead in March 2020, with reports suggesting suicide.
The Nalgonda court’s recent judgment has brought a sense of justice to Pranay’s family and supporters. The court awarded the death penalty to Subhash Sharma, the individual who carried out the murder. Additionally, four other accused have been sentenced to life imprisonment for their involvement in the crime.
The verdict has been hailed by many as a significant step towards addressing caste-based violence and honor killings in India. Activists and community leaders believe that such judgments will serve as a deterrent against similar crimes in the future.
