Serial Killer Sentenced to Life for 15-Year-Old Murder

A Chandigarh district court has sentenced Monu Kumar to life imprisonment for the rape and murder of a 22-year-old MBA student, a crime committed 15 years ago. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh on Kumar. Emotional scenes unfolded in the courtroom as the victim’s parents expressed both grief and relief upon hearing the verdict, while Kumar displayed no remorse for his actions. Notably, none of his family members attended the proceedings.

Criminal History and Past Offences

Monu Kumar’s criminal history spans nearly two decades, with pending cases involving the murder and rape of two women. He is accused of killing a 40-year-old vegetable vendor in Maloya in 2022 and a 55-year-old woman in Sector 54 in February 2024. Investigators found striking similarities between these recent crimes and the earlier case involving the MBA student. In a separate incident from 2008, Kumar was arrested for allegedly raping and murdering a six-year-old girl in Chamba, Himachal Pradesh. Although he spent one and a half years in prison, he was acquitted due to insufficient evidence.

During the recent trial, the defence counsel contended that the case relied heavily on circumstantial evidence and did not meet the standards for the “rarest of rare” category, which typically warrants the death penalty. He argued for leniency, highlighting Kumar’s role as the family’s sole breadwinner and his mother’s reliance on him.

The Court’s Decision and Forensic Contributions

In contrast, the public prosecutor argued that the brutality of the crime justified a more severe sentence. The prosecutor emphasized the need for accountability, citing the horrific nature of the victim’s death. Ultimately, the court opted for life imprisonment instead of the death penalty, a decision that reflects the gravity of the crime without resorting to capital punishment.

The victim’s father expressed gratitude to forensic scientist Sunita Verma for her pivotal role in linking evidence from various crime scenes. He noted that Verma collected forensic samples from the Maloya murder scene, including evidence that indicated something was stuffed in the victim’s mouth—similar to the circumstances surrounding his daughter’s death. This crucial observation helped investigators connect the dots and identify Monu Kumar as the prime suspect.

Despite initial setbacks in the investigation, law enforcement persisted in their efforts to secure justice. They conducted DNA tests on various suspects and pursued every available lead until Kumar was arrested.

The verdict marks a significant moment for the victim’s family, who have waited over a decade for justice. It also highlights the critical role that forensic science can play in solving complex cases, as demonstrated by the tireless work of professionals like Sunita Verma.