Rajkot court sentences man to life imprisonment for brutally murdering wife

A Sessions Court in Rajkot has convicted and sentenced Yousufsha Shahamda to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of his wife, Zahida, under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). 

The court described the crime as an act of extreme cruelty and brutality, noting that the accused showed no mercy and deserved none.

The incident occurred on October 27, 2022, at their home in Rajkot. According to the case details, the victim's father and his wife were in Morbi when they received a call from the in-laws urging them to rush to Rajkot Civil Hospital. Upon arrival, doctors declared Zahida dead.

The murder took place in the absence of the in-laws. When they returned home, no one opened the door. The door was eventually forced open in the presence of neighbours and local residents, who discovered Zahida lying in a pool of blood with both hands tied. She had sustained severe head injuries from hammer blows to her head and forehead, and her neck had been slit with a razor blade.

The accused, Yousufsha Shahamda, was found lying on the bed in a semi-conscious state with self-inflicted injuries to his hand.

The prosecution presented strong circumstantial evidence, including the doctor's testimony and post-mortem report, which confirmed that the injuries were inflicted by the accused. The investigating officer collected sufficient evidence proving the accused's direct involvement. 

The husband frequently doubted Zahida's character and quarrelled with her over petty issues. As early as 2016, he had assaulted her by delivering three blows to her head, causing serious injuries. Following treatment, she had moved to her parental home. In 2019, the accused and his family provided a written assurance that they would not harass her, leading her to return to the marital home.

The court observed that due to the accused's brutality and cruelty, the couple's children have been deprived of their mother's love and affection. The deceased was denied the opportunity to enjoy her precious life and died prematurely. Every human being cherishes life and no one wishes to die at another's hands prematurely, underscoring the accused's cruel treatment of his wife.