What Led to the Sentencing of Punjab AAP MLA Lalpura to Four Years in Prison?
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Synopsis
In a shocking turn of events, Punjab AAP MLA Manjinder Lalpura has been sentenced to four years in prison for his involvement in a 2013 molestation case. The conviction raises serious questions about accountability for public officials and highlights the ongoing fight against injustice.
Key Takeaways
- Manjinder Lalpura sentenced to four years for molestation.
- Conviction relates to a 2013 case involving a Dalit woman.
- Widespread public outrage followed the incident.
- Supreme Court intervened for victim's protection.
- Significant legal implications for public officials.
Chandigarh, Sep 12 (NationPress) Manjinder Lalpura, a Punjab AAP representative from Khadoor Sahib, faced a four-year prison sentence on Friday after a court found him guilty in a 2013 molestation and assault case involving a Dalit woman during his time as a taxi driver.
Following his conviction, he was swiftly arrested and imprisoned.
The Additional Sessions Judge Prem Kumar in Tarn Taran town convicted twelve individuals, with seven apprehended, one deceased, and one already incarcerated in Tihar Jail.
Three suspects remain at large.
Lalpura is the fifth AAP legislator from Punjab to be arrested by law enforcement or the Vigilance Bureau for various offenses. His arrest closely follows a rape case involving Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra, a legislator from Sanaur, who has been evading capture since September 2.
The court pronounced Lalpura guilty on Wednesday, alongside five police officers: Davinder Kumar, Saraj Singh, Ashwani Kumar, Tarsem Singh, and Harjinder Singh.
However, three others, including Gagandeep Singh and policemen Narinderjit Singh and Gurdeep Raj, were not placed in judicial custody.
In the 2022 Assembly elections, Lalpura won the Khadoor Sahib seat, defeating Congress candidate Ramanjit Singh Sikki by a significant margin of 16,491 votes.
The incident occurred at a wedding venue in Tarn Taran, where the woman was allegedly beaten by the police and other accused, including Lalpura, leading to her reported molestation during the assault.
The complainant, a member of the Scheduled Castes (SC), was attacked by the accused, including police personnel, on March 3, 2013.
The incident sparked widespread public outrage, prompting the Supreme Court to take suo motu cognizance and direct paramilitary protection for the victim, her cousin Jagjit Singh (an eyewitness), and her family members.
On March 19, 2013, the Punjab and Haryana High Court ordered the transfer of seven involved policemen and mandated security measures for the victim and her family, while sharply criticizing the police's actions.
The accused are facing trial under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including 506 (criminal intimidation), 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 188 (disobedience to public servant's order), 324 (causing hurt with dangerous weapons), 270 (malignant act likely to spread infection), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 148 (rioting with deadly weapon), and 283.
Point of View
We support the principles of transparency and fairness, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their position, are held accountable for their actions. The fight against sexual violence and injustice must continue.
NationPress
30/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the reason for Lalpura's conviction?
Manjinder Lalpura was convicted for his involvement in a 2013 molestation and assault case involving a Dalit woman, where he was accused of assaulting her while he was a taxi driver.
How many people were convicted alongside Lalpura?
Twelve individuals were convicted, including five police personnel.
What is the significance of this case?
This case highlights the accountability of public officials and the ongoing struggle against sexual violence in society.
What actions did the Supreme Court take regarding this case?
The Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance of the case, directing paramilitary protection for the victim and her family.
What legal sections are the accused facing trial under?
The accused are facing trial under several sections of the IPC, including criminal intimidation, assault, and rioting.
