Two men sentenced for murdering Dalit teen in UP

A court in Agra has sentenced two men to life imprisonment for the murder of a 15-year-old Dalit girl in December 2018. The girl was set on fire in front of her sister. The main accused, who was her cousin, committed suicide after learning about her death. The girl's family expressed mixed feelings about the verdict. Her mother said they are pleased but believe the men should receive the death penalty. She pointed out that her youngest daughter, only nine at the time, is still affected by her sister's tragic death. They plan to appeal to the high court for harsher punishment. According to government prosecutor Satya Prakash Dhakad, the girl was attacked while returning home from school with her sister. Two men on a motorcycle doused her with petrol and set her ablaze near a police station. The girl suffered severe injuries and was taken to a hospital but ultimately died on December 20, 2018. The investigation revealed that the cousin was upset because the girl rejected his advances. He paid the two men Rs 15,000 to carry out the attack and provided the motorcycle and fuel used in the crime. The accused were charged with murder, causing grievous injury, destroying evidence, and conspiracy. After reviewing evidence and testimonies from 26 witnesses, including the victim's sister, Judge Nitin Thakur found them guilty and sentenced them to life imprisonment, along with a fine of Rs 5 lakh.