A Delhi court on Saturday, 4 July sentenced Bihar Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Raju Kumar Singh to four years' imprisonment after convicting him of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, in connection with the death of architect Dr Archana Gupta during celebratory firing at a New Year's Eve farmhouse party in Vasant Kunj, Delhi, in 2018. The verdict, delivered by the Rouse Avenue Court, carries significant political consequences for the six-time legislator.

Key Sentences and Compensation Order

Beyond the primary four-year term under Section 304 Part II of the Indian Penal Code, the court imposed an additional two months' imprisonment under Section 30 of the Arms Act. All sentences are to run consecutively. The court also directed Singh to pay ₹25 lakh as compensation to the victim's family, with a further three months' imprisonment to follow if he defaults on the payment.

Political Disqualification Looms

With a cumulative sentence exceeding two years, Singh now risks losing his Bihar Assembly seat under the Representation of the People Act. Disqualification can be avoided only if the Delhi High Court grants a stay on the conviction. The defence had specifically flagged this consequence during sentencing, urging the court to limit the term to prevent legislative disqualification — an argument the court ultimately did not accept.

What the Defence Argued

Counsel for Singh sought leniency on multiple grounds: that he had never previously been convicted despite several registered cases, that most cases were allegedly politically motivated, and that he had already spent approximately two months in custody. The defence also submitted that the deceased was known personally to the family, that Singh's wife was present at the event, and that the incident was a 'personal tragedy.' The court was further told that Singh had expressed regret and had not attempted to influence the victim's family during the trial.

The Probation Officer's report, which the court had specifically sought before deciding the quantum of sentence, also noted that Singh is facing a separate murder case in Bihar, in which he has been granted bail by the Patna High Court.

Background: The Vasant Kunj Incident

On the night of 31 December 2018, a New Year's celebration was under way at a farmhouse in Vasant Kunj. A bullet, allegedly fired by Singh from a licensed pistol during celebratory gunfire, struck Dr Archana Gupta, who later died during treatment. An FIR was registered at Fatehpur Beri police station, and Delhi Police subsequently arrested Singh and others. The court, while convicting Singh, acquitted his wife Renu Singh and two co-accused — Rana Rajesh Singh and Ramendra Singh — extending them the benefit of doubt. The court held that Singh's act of firing from a licensed weapon into a crowded gathering was done with the knowledge that it was likely to cause death.

What Happens Next

Singh's legal team is expected to approach the Delhi High Court seeking a stay on conviction to prevent disqualification from the Bihar Assembly. The outcome of that petition will determine whether he retains his legislative seat while pursuing an appeal. The ₹25 lakh compensation order to the victim's family stands independently of any appellate proceedings.