Punjab Newsline | Kurukshetra
Punjab and Haryana High Court has modified the trial court’s verdict in the sensational murder and robbery case involving Dr Vanita Arora in Sector 13, Kurukshetra. The High Court has commuted the death sentences of four convicts to 30 years of rigorous imprisonment and acquitted a former maid in the case. The crime was committed on January 9, 2023.
A Division Bench comprising Justice Vinod S. Bhardwaj and Justice Ravinder Malik delivered the verdict after hearing the matter. While considering the sentences, the court took into account the convicts’ age, socio-economic backgrounds, conduct in prison and prospects of rehabilitation, concluding that 30 years of imprisonment was appropriate.
The trial court had convicted Vikramjit alias Bittu, Sunil Kumar, Manish Kumar, Vikram alias Vicky and Poonam on December 15 last year. Five days later, on December 20, the court sentenced them to death.
Crime Committed on the Pretext of a Cake Order
Dr Vanita Arora, wife of Dr Atul Arora, had a passion for baking cakes and also prepared them at her residence in Sector 13, Kurukshetra. According to the case details, the accused entered the upper floor of the house on the pretext of placing a cake order.
The accused allegedly held Dr Vanita Arora’s in-laws hostage before carrying out the crime. They also held her husband, Dr Atul Arora, at gunpoint and confined him to a room before fleeing the scene.
The assailants reportedly escaped with jewellery worth lakhs of rupees. The incident sent shockwaves through the area and led to a murder and robbery case that subsequently resulted in death sentences being awarded by the trial court.
With its latest ruling, the High Court has altered the punishment for four of the convicts and acquitted the former maid, bringing a significant change to the outcome of the high-profile case.
