In a shocking incident, a Delhi man strangled his wife to death within six months of marriage. The man had married her to escape the rape charges after filing an affidavit that he will marry the victim.
“About 13 km from Nainital, he expressed his desire to have a physical relationship with his wife at a secluded place. He took her to a cave. After having sex, he strangled his wife,” said Vijay Mehta, officer-in-charge, Tallital police station, District Nainital.
The police detained Rajesh on July 26 for killing his 26-year old wife, Babita. Initially, he was denying his role in the death of his wife but later admitted to the crime. As per the police, he led them to the spot along the Nainital-Haldwani highway where he dumped the body. She was missing since June 11.
He has been booked under Section 302 (murder) and Section 201 (causing disappearance of evidence) of Indian Penal Code.
Case Background
As per the reports, Babita and Rajesh used to work together in a mall. They were dating each other and got into a physical relationship. After Babita got pregnant, Rajesh refused to marry her. Subsequently, she filed a rape complaint after which Rajesh signed an affidavit to marry her.
Is Asking Rape Accused to Marry Victim A Justified Solution?
Former Chief Justice of India invited criticism from across the nation when a bench headed by him asked a rape accused to marry the victim to escape the rape charges and jail.
“Are you willing to marry her? Will you marry her? If you are willing to marry, we will consider this (petition)…or else you will go to jail and lose your job,” asked a three judge bench comprising Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde, Justice AS Bopanna, and Justice V Ramasubramanian.
4,000 Citizens Sought An Apology From Justice Bobde
Over 4,000 citizens including members of 50 women’s rights and progressive groups, feminists, students, senior citizens, advocates, and filmmakers signed an open letter to former CJI SA Bobde to submit an apology. They also asked to retract his “marry the victim” remarks.
However, Justice Bobde called the controversy a complete misreporting. He stated that he had never said a rape victim should marry her accused.
“We have given highest respect to womanhood. We asked are you going to marry. We didn’t order him to marry,” said Justice SA Bobde. The court was hearing a 14-year-old rape victim’s plea to terminate her pregnancy.