Key Points

The Uttarakhand government is filing a review petition in the Supreme Court regarding the 2014 Pithoragarh rape and murder case of a minor girl. The case dates back to November 2014 when a young girl went missing from a wedding and was later found dead in Gaula River. While handling this legal matter, Chief Minister Dhami is also managing rescue operations following a devastating cloudburst in Chamoli district. The state continues to address both this historic legal case and current natural disaster simultaneously.

Key Points: Uttarakhand Seeks Supreme Court Review of Pithoragarh Rape-Murder Case

  • State files review petition against SC acquittal in 2014 minor rape-murder case
  • Victim went missing from wedding, found dead in Gaula River six days later
  • Special court had sentenced prime accused Akhtar Ali to death in 2016
  • CM Dhami simultaneously overseeing cloudburst rescue operations in Chamoli district
3 min read

Uttarakhand to file review petition in Supreme Court on 2014 Pithoragarh rape-murder case

Uttarakhand government files review petition in Supreme Court challenging acquittal in 2014 Pithoragarh minor girl rape-murder case that sparked statewide outrage.

"Around 35 houses have been damaged due to a cloudburst. Around 20 people are injured, and 14 others are missing. - CM Pushkar Singh Dhami"

Dehradun, September 18

The Uttarakhand government will file a review petition in the Supreme Court in connection with the 2014 Pithoragarh rape and murder case of a minor girl.

After detailed discussions with legal advisors, the state has decided to seek reconsideration of the apex court's recent verdict, as stated in the release.

On November 20, 2014, during the Congress regime, a young girl from Pithoragarh went missing from a wedding ceremony held at the Ramlila Ground in Sheeshmahal, Haldwani. Six days later, her body was recovered from the Gaula River.

The postmortem confirmed sexual assault and murder. The incident sparked widespread outrage, with protests erupting across the state against the deteriorating law and order situation at that time.

Police arrested the prime accused, Akhtar Ali, along with two others. In March 2016, a special court sentenced Akhtar Ali to death, a verdict later upheld by the High Court in 2019.

However, in a recent ruling, the Supreme Court acquitted the accused, prompting the state government to move for a review.

Meanwhile, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday conducted an on-site inspection of relief and rescue operations in the disaster-affected areas of Raipur and Mussoorie assembly constituencies following a cloudburst that triggered widespread damage in Chamoli district, affecting over 200 people.

Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister reviewed the aftermath of the cloudburst that triggered widespread damage in Chamoli district, affecting over 200 people.The review was conducted from the Emergency Operations Centre in Dehradun, following heavy rainfall that battered several parts of the state.

Speaking to mediapersons, CM Dhami provided key updates on the situation, stating that at least 35 houses were damaged, 20 people sustained injuries, and 14 others are currently missing due to the disaster that struck Chamoli late Wednesday night

."Around 35 houses have been damaged due to a cloudburst. Around 20 people are injured, and 14 others are missing. 200 people have been affected by the disaster last night in Chamoli. All rescue teams have reached there. DM and SSP are also on the spot. The injured have been taken to the hospitals. The severely injured will be shifted to AIIMS Rishikesh. NDRF, SDRF, ITBP, and Police are carrying out rescue operations. We are trying to move the people to safe places. Work is being done to repair the damaged roads. All the districts, NDRF, and SDRF have been asked to remain in alert mode for the entire month of September till the Monsoon is over. Char Dham Yatra is going on, but I appeal to the devotees to plan their Yatra according to the forecast by IMD..." he said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I support justice for the victim, I hope the review petition is based on solid legal grounds and not just political pressure. Our judiciary must remain independent. The 2014 case was horrific, but we must trust the legal process.
A
Arjun K
The CM is handling both this sensitive case and the cloudburst disaster simultaneously. Respect for his efforts. Hope the victims in Chamoli get all the help they need. Uttarakhand has faced too many tragedies.
M
Meera T
As a mother, this case sends chills down my spine. We need stronger laws and faster justice for crimes against children. The system failed this girl once, it must not fail her again. 🕯️
S
Sarah B
The article mentions this happened during Congress regime but doesn't explain why that's relevant. Shouldn't we focus on the victim rather than political blame games? Justice should be above politics.
V
Vikram M
Hope the review petition succeeds. The courts need to understand the trauma such acquittals cause to society. When lower courts and high court both found him guilty, what made SC overturn? Public needs answers.

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