In a landmark judgment, a session’s court has sentenced three individuals to death for their involvement in a gruesome massacre and dacoity that took place 44 years ago in Dihuli village of Thana Jasrana.

The crime, committed on November 18, 1981, saw a gang of dacoits led by Radhe and Santosha kill 24 people from the

Dalit community and seriously injure nine others. The court found Rampal, Ramsevak, and Captain Singh guilty of murder and other serious offenses, imposing a death sentence on them. Additionally, Rampal and Ramsevak were fined Rs 2 lakh each, while Captain Singh was fined Rs 1 lakh.

As soon as the court pronounced the verdict, despair was evident on the faces of the three convicts. They broke down in tears, and their family members, who were waiting outside, also wept. Following the verdict, the police took them into custody and lodged them in jail.

The case had been pending in court for decades. During this time, several accused individuals died, while one was declared a fugitive by the court. The lengthy legal proceedings finally culminated in the historic verdict, bringing some closure to the victims’ families and the community.

Following the court’s ruling, the Dalit community in Dihuli erupted in celebrations, playing Holi to mark what they saw as justice delivered. Villagers Bhoop

Singh and Chhote Singh stated that the brutal manner in which their community members were murdered has finally been answered with an appropriate punishment.

The convicts-Rampal, Ramsevak, and Captain Singh-can appeal the death sentence in the High Court within 30 days. The High Court will review the Sessions Court’s judgment and may either uphold the death sentence or amend the punishment.

After the sentencing, the three convicts were taken to Mainpuri district jail, where they will be kept in the quarantine barracks for 14 days. During this period, they will be closely monitored to ensure their physical and mental well-being. Jail authorities will observe whether they are eating, drinking, and sleeping properly. After the quarantine period, they will be moved to the regular prison barracks.

Even before the final sentencing, the three convicts spent a restless night in jail on Monday. According to jail personnel, they appeared anxious and worried about their fate. Among them, Captain Singh seemed the most disturbed. On Tuesday morning, all three followed their routine and prepared to leave for the court, but the fear of their impending punishment was visible on their faces. They had even eaten less food on Monday evening, dreading the worst.

The case marks one of the longest-running trials in the country, highlighting the slow but eventual course of justice. The verdict serves as a reminder that crimes of such magnitude do not escape the legal system, no matter how long they take to be resolved.