A local court in Aligarh sentenced Akhilesh to life imprisonment for the dowry-related murder of his wife, Savitri, based on the compelling testimony of their four-year-old son, Atul. Additional District Judge Sanjay Yadav, in his July 14 ruling, described Atul’s account as “clinching and consistent,” pivotal in securing the conviction for the February 10, 2022, crime in Nagla Banjara village.

Savitri, 32, was strangled to death, as confirmed by forensic evidence ruling out suicide. Despite other witnesses, including Savitri’s mother, Lilawati, and brother, Ramavatar, retracting their initial statements, Atul’s testimony aligned precisely with the postmortem findings. The young boy, present during the incident, firmly told the court, “I will never lie because I remember everything clearly,” contradicting family claims that Akhilesh was absent.

The prosecution revealed Savitri endured years of domestic violence over unmet dowry demands, including a motorcycle, during her 12-year marriage. The court criticized Ramavatar’s conduct, noting he initially filed a dowry death complaint but later supported the accused’s alibi.

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Judge Yadav emphasized that the forensic evidence, coupled with Atul’s unwavering testimony, left no doubt about Akhilesh’s guilt. The case underscores the tragic persistence of dowry-related violence and the power of a child’s truthful account in delivering justice.

Atul now resides with his paternal grandparents in Nagla Banjara village, according to family sources. The ruling marks a significant moment in combating dowry deaths, highlighting the critical role of reliable testimony and forensic evidence.

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