Supreme Court Cancels Bail of Three Accused in Ex-Sarpanch Murder Case

New Delhi: The Supreme Court overturned the Rajasthan High Court's decision on Wednesday to grant bail to three individuals accused of the brutal murder of a former village sarpanch in Neemrana on May 31, 2023.

A bench led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar heard arguments from advocate Ronak Karanpuria, representing the brother of the deceased Dinesh Kumar Yadav, and reversed the Rajasthan High Court's July 8 verdict.

The Supreme court directed the accused -- Abhimanyu alias Pintu, Jaiveer, and Satya alias Chinnya -- to surrender and asked the lower court to expedite the trial.

The Chief Justice said that the accused could apply for bail again if there are changes in circumstances or if trial proceedings are delayed for reasons not caused by them.

Karanpuria argued that the high court erred in granting bail to the accused without considering the gravity of the offence, the evidence of a premeditated conspiracy, and the potential threat to witnesses.

The case stems from the brutal killing of Dinesh Kumar Yadav, the former sarpanch of Gram Panchayat Silapur, Neemrana in Rajasthan.

On the morning of May 31, 2023, Dinesh was ploughing a field near a well with his tractor when two assailants shot him multiple times.

According to the FIR lodged by his brother, Roopesh Kumar, the murder was part of a premeditated conspiracy fuelled by political rivalry and disputes over illegal encroachments.

Roopesh, who witnessed the attack, identified the assailants and named several conspirators in his complaint, including Abhimanyu, Jaiveer, and Satya.

Despite being rushed to Kailash Hospital in Behror, Dinesh succumbed to his injuries. Police investigations revealed that the murder was meticulously planned.

The accused allegedly collaborated to eliminate Dinesh Kumar after multiple failed attempts.

They allegedly hired shooters, Sachin and Yashpal, paid Rs 23,000 to them and arranged a stolen motorcycle for their escape. 

(with agency inputs)