Jharkhand court sentences gangsters Aman Srivastava, Lakhan Sao to life term in 2015 Kameshwar Pandey murder
Synopsis
Nearly a decade after gangster Aman Srivastava's shooters killed an innocent 70-year-old at a vegetable market to 'establish dominance,' a Ramgarh court has handed both Srivastava and associate Lakhan Sao life sentences — underscoring the long reach of the justice system even in cases where one co-accused walked free for lack of evidence.
Key Takeaways
Aman Srivastava and Lakhan Sao sentenced to life imprisonment by a Ramgarh court on Friday, 15 May 2025 .
Both convicted under Section 302 IPC (murder) and Section 120B IPC (criminal conspiracy), with a fine of ₹10,000 each under each charge.
Additional seven years rigorous imprisonment imposed under Section 27 of the Arms Act .
Victim Kameshwar Pandey , 70, was shot dead at a vegetable market in Patratu on 26 October 2015 — he had no links to criminal activity.
Co-accused Ganesh Singh alias Jayprakash Singh was acquitted due to insufficient evidence and witness support.
A court in Ramgarh, Jharkhand, on Friday sentenced gangster Aman Srivastava and his associate Lakhan Sao to life imprisonment for the murder of 70-year-old Kameshwar Pandey, who was shot dead at a local vegetable market in Patratu on 26 October 2015. The verdict was delivered by the Additional District and Sessions Judge-I, nearly a decade after the killing that had shaken the region.
Key Sentences Handed Down
The court awarded life imprisonment under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code for murder, along with a fine of ₹10,000 each on both convicts. Under Section 120B of the IPC (criminal conspiracy), both were again sentenced to life imprisonment and an additional fine of ₹10,000 each. Under Section 27 of the Arms Act, the court imposed seven years of rigorous imprisonment and a further fine of ₹10,000 each. The court specified that failure to pay the fine would attract an additional one year of rigorous imprisonment.
How the Murder Unfolded
Pandey, a resident of Patratu, was shot dead on 26 October 2015 when shooters of the Srivastava gang opened indiscriminate fire on him at a vegetable market. He died on the spot. An FIR was subsequently lodged by Pawan Kishore Pandey. Investigations confirmed that the victim had no links to any criminal activity.
The court noted that Aman Srivastava had orchestrated the murder to establish dominance and spread terror in the area — a calculated act of gangland intimidation against an entirely uninvolved civilian.
One Accused Acquitted for Lack of Evidence
Police had initially named three accused in the case: Ganesh Singh alias Jayprakash Singh, Lakhan Sao, and Aman Srivastava. However, the prosecution could not establish sufficient evidence or secure witnesses against Ganesh Singh, and he was acquitted. The court had formally held Srivastava and Sao guilty of murder and criminal conspiracy on 7 May, ahead of Friday's sentencing.
Security and Court Proceedings
Security was tightened in and around the court premises during the pronouncement of the verdict, reflecting the high-profile nature of the case. The prosecution was represented by Additional Public Prosecutor Shraddha Jaya Topno, while the defence was argued by Jharkhand High Court advocate B.N. Tripathi and Ramgarh-based advocate Mahendra Mahato.
The sentencing closes a nearly decade-long legal chapter, though the acquittal of a co-accused on evidentiary grounds raises questions about the completeness of the investigation. Whether the prosecution will pursue any further proceedings remains to be seen.
Point of View
A civilian with zero criminal links, was killed purely to 'establish dominance' is a damning portrait of organised crime in Jharkhand's industrial belt. A decade to reach sentencing is too long; it signals systemic delays that embolden gang networks by keeping verdicts uncertain for years. The real accountability question is whether the broader Srivastava gang network has been dismantled, or whether the life sentence merely removes one node from an active criminal structure.
NationPress
8 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Aman Srivastava and Lakhan Sao?
Aman Srivastava is a gangster based in Jharkhand, and Lakhan Sao is his associate. Both were convicted of murdering 70-year-old Kameshwar Pandey in Patratu on 26 October 2015 and sentenced to life imprisonment by a Ramgarh court on 15 May 2025.
What was the Kameshwar Pandey murder case?
Kameshwar Pandey, a 70-year-old resident of Patratu, Jharkhand, was shot dead at a local vegetable market on 26 October 2015 by shooters of the Srivastava gang. Investigations confirmed he had no links to any criminal activity; the court found he was killed to help Srivastava establish dominance and spread terror.
What sentences were awarded in this case?
Both Aman Srivastava and Lakhan Sao received life imprisonment under Section 302 IPC (murder) and Section 120B IPC (criminal conspiracy), plus seven years rigorous imprisonment under Section 27 of the Arms Act. Each charge also carried a fine of ₹10,000, with an additional one year of imprisonment for non-payment.
Why was co-accused Ganesh Singh acquitted?
Ganesh Singh, also known as Jayprakash Singh, was acquitted because the prosecution could not produce sufficient evidence or witnesses to prove the charges against him. His acquittal highlights the evidentiary challenges that frequently complicate gangland murder trials.
When did the court find the convicts guilty?
The Additional District and Sessions Judge-I in Ramgarh formally held Aman Srivastava and Lakhan Sao guilty of murder and criminal conspiracy on 7 May 2025, ahead of the sentencing pronounced on 15 May 2025.
