A Firozabad court sentenced 28‑year‑old trader Jitendra Pathak to death for murdering an 18‑month‑old boy after the child's mother turned down his marriage proposal. The case, deemed "rarest of rare," saw a swift verdict within 40 days of the crime.
Key Takeaways
- Firozabad court awards death penalty to a 28‑year‑old trader.
- Murder stemmed from the mother’s rejection of the marriage proposal.
- CCTV footage that went viral served as crucial evidence.
On July 10, 2026, the Firozabad District Court delivered a landmark judgment, sentencing 28‑year‑old trader Jitendra Pathak, alias Viraj to death for the brutal killing of an 18‑month‑old toddler. Pathak repeatedly slammed the child to the ground after the boy’s mother, Rati Sharma, rejected his marriage proposal. Under the Indian Penal Code, the court classified the case as “rarest of rare,” a designation reserved for the most heinous crimes.
Background and Motive
Pathak, a local trader, began frequent visits to Rati’s family home in early 2026. Rati, 24, was staying with her parents due to ongoing marital disputes with her husband. During these visits, Pathak, a relative of Rati’s husband, proposed marriage to her. Rati firmly refused, stating she would not abandon her son. The rejection inflamed Pathak, who subsequently perceived the child as an obstacle to his ambitions.
The Crime Unfolded
On May 30, Pathak lured the toddler out of the house under the pretext of buying sweets. He then took the child about 50 metres away to a deserted road and repeatedly threw him onto the ground. Neighbors initially mistook the repeated thuds for the sound of cement bags being unloaded. A vigilant resident, after spotting the incident on a CCTV feed, alerted the police. The child was later found unresponsive, and his family reported the incident.
Evidence and Judicial Process
Police swiftly filed a chargesheet within six days, relying heavily on the CCTV footage that had gone viral on social media. Pathak was apprehended in a police encounter later that day, sustaining gunshot wounds to both legs. The trial concluded within 40 days, and the court declared the case “rarest of rare,” imposing the death penalty.
Reactions and Future Implications
Rati’s mother, Anusuiya Sharma, welcomed the verdict, stating, “We are relieved that the court has sentenced the accused to death for a horrific crime captured on camera. We now want to see the sentence carried out.” The defense counsel, who wished to remain anonymous, announced an appeal to the higher court. This case reignites debate over the application of the “rarest of rare” doctrine and its role in deterring extreme violence.
