New Delhi: A Rouse Avenue court on Saturday convicted Bihar’s Sahibganj BJP MLA Raju Kumar Singh for culpable homicide not amounting to murder and under the Arms Act. The court ordered him to be taken into custody. His wife and two other co-accused have been acquitted of all charges.

This case pertains to the death of Archana Gupta due to celebratory firing at a New Year’s Eve party on December 31, 2018. An FIR was registered at Fatehpur Beri Police Station on January 1, 2019.

Special Judge (MP-MLA) Vishal Gogne convicted Raju Kumar Singh for the offence of culpable homicide not amounting to murder under Section 304 Part II IPC and Section 30 of the Arms Act.

The court acquitted his wife, Renu Singh, along with Rana Rajesh Singh and Ramendra Singh of all charges.

The court will hear arguments on sentencing on June 9. A detailed judgment is yet to be uploaded.

Charges Stem from Fatal Celebratory Firing at New Year Party

On October 30, 2023, charges were framed against the accused after the court rejected discharge applications.

The court had observed that there was prima facie material to frame charges against Raju Singh under Section 304 (Part II) IPC and Section 30 of the Arms Act, against Ramendra Singh and Rana Rajesh Singh under Sections 201/34 IPC, and against Renu Singh under Section 201 IPC.

According to the prosecution, complainant Vikas Gupta attended a New Year’s Eve party with his wife Archana Gupta and daughter at Rose Farm in Ambedkar Colony, Mandi Village, New Delhi, on the night of December 31, 2018.

Vikas Gupta stated that around midnight, his wife returned to the dance floor after greeting him. He allegedly saw security driver Hari Singh and Raju Singh firing weapons into the air during the celebrations.

Victim Succumbed to Gunshot Injury During Treatment

The complainant further alleged that about five minutes later, another round of firing took place by Raju Singh, after which Archana Gupta suddenly collapsed. When he rushed to her, he found her unconscious and bleeding from the face.

She was immediately taken to a hospital with the help of other guests.

Police later learned that a person had been injured in celebratory firing at the event and found that bloodstains at the scene had allegedly been cleaned.

Initially, an FIR was registered under Sections 307, 201 and 34 IPC along with Section 27 of the Arms Act. The case was subsequently investigated.

Investigation Led to Recovery of Weapons and Arrests

During the investigation, two used .22 calibre cartridges were recovered from the spot. Police also recovered live and used cartridges from Raju Singh’s residence. From the house of Hari Singh, who has since died, police recovered a .315 calibre rifle, live and spent cartridges, and other materials.

Investigators concluded that the two individuals firing weapons at the party were Raju Singh, then a former Bihar MLA, and his driver Hari Singh. Both allegedly fled the scene and were apprehended on January 2, 2019, in Fazil Nagar, Uttar Pradesh.

Police recovered a .22 calibre pistol and live cartridges from Raju Singh at the time of arrest. The vehicle in which the accused were travelling was also seized.

Post-Mortem Confirmed Death Due to Firearm Injury

On January 3, 2019, police received information that Archana Gupta had died during treatment. Following her death, the case was converted from attempted murder to murder, with Section 302 IPC being invoked.

A post-mortem examination conducted at AIIMS, New Delhi, concluded that Archana Gupta died due to a head injury caused by a firearm. The medical opinion formed a key part of the prosecution’s case.