Delhi court convicts Bihar BJP MLA Raju Singh for culpable homicide in 2018 firing
Synopsis
A sitting Bihar BJP MLA has been convicted of culpable homicide for firing a licensed pistol into a crowd at a New Year's Eve farmhouse party in 2018, killing a woman architect. With sentencing due on 9 June, a two-year-or-more prison term could strip him of his legislative seat under the Representation of the People Act.
Key Takeaways
Rouse Avenue Court convicted Bihar BJP MLA Raju Kumar Singh on 6 June for culpable homicide not amounting to murder under Section 304 Part II IPC and violation of the Arms Act .
The case stems from the death of architect Dr Archana Gupta , shot during celebratory firing at a Vasant Kunj farmhouse on 31 December 2018 .
Singh has been taken into custody; sentencing arguments are scheduled for 9 June .
Co-accused Renu Singh , Rana Rajesh Singh , and Ramendra Singh were acquitted on benefit of doubt.
A sentence of two years or more could disqualify Singh from holding elected office under the Representation of the People Act .
A Delhi court has convicted Bihar Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Raju Kumar Singh for culpable homicide not amounting to murder and violation of the Arms Act, in connection with the death of a woman architect during celebratory firing at a New Year's Eve party at a Vasant Kunj farmhouse in 2018. The Rouse Avenue Court found Singh guilty on 6 June, directing that he be taken into custody immediately. Sentencing arguments are scheduled for 9 June.
What the Court Found
The court held Singh guilty under Section 304 Part II of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Section 30 of the Arms Act. In its order, the court observed that Singh fired from a licensed pistol into a crowded gathering with the knowledge that such conduct was likely to cause death — the legal threshold for culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
The court concluded that the prosecution had established its case beyond reasonable doubt against the legislator, and directed that he be taken into custody forthwith.
The Incident: New Year's Eve 2018
On the night of 31 December 2018, a celebratory gathering was underway at a farmhouse in Delhi's Vasant Kunj area. A bullet, allegedly fired during celebratory gunfire, struck Dr Archana Gupta, a woman architect present at the event. She was rushed to hospital but succumbed to her injuries during treatment.
An FIR was subsequently registered at Fatehpur Beri police station, and Delhi Police arrested Singh and others in the course of the investigation. Charges were formally framed by the court in 2023.
Co-Accused Acquitted
While convicting Singh, the court acquitted three co-accused — his wife Renu Singh, and two others, Rana Rajesh Singh and Ramendra Singh — extending them the benefit of doubt. The court held that evidence on record was insufficient to prove charges against the three beyond reasonable doubt.
Political Ramifications
The conviction carries significant implications for Singh's political career. Under the Representation of the People Act, a prison sentence of two years or more can trigger disqualification from holding elected office. The quantum of sentence will be determined after hearing arguments on 9 June, making that date a critical one for both the legal and political future of the Bihar MLA.
This case adds to a growing body of judicial precedent holding elected representatives accountable for reckless use of firearms at private gatherings — a pattern that courts have addressed with increasing firmness in recent years.
Point of View
Yet prosecutions of politically connected individuals remain rare. The sentencing on 9 June will be the real signal: a sub-two-year term would allow Singh to retain his seat and, critics would argue, dilute the deterrent effect entirely. The acquittal of three co-accused, including the MLA's wife, also raises questions about the evidentiary threshold applied to those in proximity to the act.
NationPress
11 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What has Raju Kumar Singh been convicted of?
Bihar BJP MLA Raju Kumar Singh has been convicted of culpable homicide not amounting to murder under Section 304 Part II of the IPC, and of violating Section 30 of the Arms Act. The Rouse Avenue Court found that he fired a licensed pistol into a crowded New Year's Eve gathering with knowledge that it was likely to cause death.
Who was killed in the 2018 Vasant Kunj farmhouse incident?
Dr Archana Gupta, a woman architect, was struck by a bullet during celebratory firing at a farmhouse in Delhi's Vasant Kunj area on the night of 31 December 2018. She was hospitalised but did not survive her injuries.
When will Raju Kumar Singh be sentenced?
The court has scheduled sentencing arguments for 9 June, after which the quantum of punishment will be determined. Singh has been taken into custody following the conviction.
Can this conviction disqualify Singh from his MLA seat?
Yes, potentially. Under the Representation of the People Act, a conviction carrying a prison sentence of two years or more can trigger disqualification from holding elected office. The actual sentence, to be decided on 9 June, will determine whether that threshold is crossed.
Were any other accused convicted alongside Singh?
No. The court acquitted three co-accused — Singh's wife Renu Singh, Rana Rajesh Singh, and Ramendra Singh — on benefit of doubt, holding that the evidence was insufficient to prove the charges against them beyond reasonable doubt.
