What is the Verdict in the Rajasthan Former Sarpanch Case After 9 Years?
Synopsis
After nearly a decade of legal proceedings, the SC-ST Court in Sikar, Rajasthan, has delivered a significant verdict regarding the murder of former Sarpanch Sardar Rao, implicating several individuals while acquitting others. This case highlights the complex interplay of crime, politics, and justice in the region.
Key Takeaways
Nine-year legal battle: The verdict comes nearly a decade after the crime.
Acquittals and convictions: Lawrence Bishnoi and another were acquitted, while others face significant sentences.
Political implications: The murder was tied to political rivalry and electoral contests.
Continuing investigation: Ongoing inquiries against additional suspects remain active.
Jaipur, Jan 22 (NationPress) Almost nine years following the assassination of former Jurathada Sarpanch Sardar Rao, the SC-ST Court in Sikar, Rajasthan, delivered its ruling on Wednesday.
In this case, gangster Lawrence Bishnoi along with another accused were found not guilty, while three individuals received life sentences and six others were sentenced to 10 years each. The court made these determinations on January 13.
Lawrence participated in the proceedings via video link, while the other accused were escorted to the courtroom under strict security measures before the verdict was revealed.
According to Advocate Raghunath Ram Sula, both Lawrence Bishnoi and Yatendra Pal were acquitted. Meanwhile, Harendra, Arun, and Hardev Ram faced life imprisonment. Six additional individuals were handed 10-year prison terms. Notably, no verdict was reached regarding Subhash Baral, who remains in hiding.
The police had detained Hardeva Ram, identified as the mastermind behind the murder, alongside gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, Subhash Mund (alias Subhash Baral), Omprakash Mund, Suneet, Bhanu Pratap, Vijaypal Nagwa, shooter Ankit, Sampat Nehra, Ravindra Singh (who allegedly coordinated the shooters), Mukesh Kumar, Kuldeep (alias Bodu), Narendra Kumar, and Yatendra Pal.
One of the shooters, Ankit Bhadu, was killed in an earlier encounter in Mohali, Punjab. The investigation under Section 173(8) CrPC remains ongoing against five accused: Vijaypal Nagwa, Reddy, Ravindra, Sampat Nehra, and Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, who allegedly facilitated the logistics for the assassination.
Sardar Rao held the position of Sarpanch for Jurathada (which includes Baral, Jurathada, and Dulhepura villages) from 2010 to 2014. Following his loss in the 2015 election, the seat was won by Sandeep, the son of government teacher Hardeva Ram.
After Sandeep stepped down upon securing a government position, a by-election was organized for September 2017, where Rao was a prominent candidate.
Concerned about losing again, Hardeva Ram allegedly reached out to imprisoned criminal Subhash Mund (Baral) and hired him to eliminate Rao.
During the inquiry, authorities discovered that Baral enlisted the help of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, leading to the murder of Sardar Rao on August 23, 2017.
Point of View
It is vital to remain impartial while addressing significant legal developments such as the verdict in the Sardar Rao case. This case underscores the challenges present in the justice system, especially concerning organized crime and its influence on local governance. Our commitment is to uphold unbiased reporting while providing our audience with the necessary insights into such crucial issues.
NationPress
28 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the verdict in the Rajasthan former Sarpanch case?
The SC-ST Court acquitted Lawrence Bishnoi and one other accused, while three individuals received life sentences and six others were sentenced to 10 years.
What led to the murder of Sardar Rao?
Hardeva Ram allegedly conspired with criminal Subhash Mund to eliminate Rao, fearing his return to power in the 2017 by-election.
What role did gangster Lawrence Bishnoi play in this case?
Lawrence Bishnoi was implicated in orchestrating the murder and provided shooters to carry out the assassination.
What happened to the shooters involved in the case?
One of the shooters, Ankit Bhadu, was killed in a police encounter, while investigations against other suspects are ongoing.
