Sensational murder case approaches judgment day

NEW DELHI, December 1: A Sessions Court is likely to pronounce judgment on one of the most sensational murder cases in Delhi's history to...

NEW DELHI, December 1: A Sessions Court is likely to pronounce judgment on one of the most sensational murder cases in Delhi’s history tomorrow. Almost four years ago on January 23 in 1996, Priyadarshini Mattoo, a final-year law student of the Delhi University (23) was allegedly raped and then strangulated in her Vasant Kunj house in the Capital. A fellow student, Santosh Kumar Singh, son of a senior IPS officer then posted in Jammu and Kashmir, was the main accused and is currently in custody.

According to the CBI chargesheet, the motive for the murder was revenge. While the arguments and the trial took three-and-a-half years, the judge has deliberated on the final judgment for about four months. The concluding arguments of the case were heard by the court in July. The prosecution case rests on the DNA test of the vaginal swab, which was positive. If the prosecution has relied on the DNA test, the defence has challenged the validity the test stating it was not conducted according to the prescribed rules.

The defence has further challenged the rape allegation. It said the panel of doctors from Safdarjung had not declared sexual assault. He submitted that Mattoo’s clothes were found intact and there were no injuries on her body.

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The metacarpal bone injury on Santosh’s right palm, said the prosecution, was because of a physical altercation between Mattoo and Santosh. The defence, however, argued he received the injury on January 14, 1996, when he fell off his motorbike. It has said that any injury remains fresh for 14 days.

The two witnesses who reportedly saw Santosh near Mattoo’s house on the day of her murder have been declared hostile. Advocate O.P Singh denied having seen Santosh there. Commercial artist Jaideep Ahluwalia said he was in Vasant Kunj on that day in response to an advertisement in a national newspaper for a job. The defence has, however, proved that the newspaper did not carry any such advertisement on the said date.

1995 February 25: While Mattoo was driving her car, Santosh followed her on his mobike and tried to stop her at traffic light. She reported the said incident and lodged a complaint at the R.K. Puram Police Station. The accused was brought to the police station where he gave an undertaking not to harass her in future and was let off.

August 16: Santosh followed Mattoo’s car to her residence and tried to break in. The police was called. Another undertaking was given. Mattoo asked the Vasant Kunj SHO to keep her complaint pending. A personal security officer was detailed to protect her.

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October 27: Mattoo filed a complaint with the dean. October 30: Santosh lodged a complaint with DU authorities against Mattoo stating that she was simultaneously pursuing two courses M.Com and LL.B at the University, which is against the rules. Showcause notices were issued to Mattoo on November 1 and 27. Santosh sent reminders to the authorities for expeditious action against Mattoo and personally pursued the matter. Mattoo, however, submitted an explanation, which was accepted by the university.

November 6: Mattoo complained to the police that Santosh had tried to hold her arm and had harassed her on the campus. Santosh was arrested and had to submit a personal bond at the police station.

January 23, 1996: Day of murder
9 a.m: PSO head constable Rajinder Singh did not reach her house on time. Mattoo left the house with her parents in her car. 10.30 a.m.: She reaches law faculty.

11.15 a.m.-noon: She attended a class and met up with the PSO. Santosh was seen on the campus by PSO Rajinder Singh. 1.45 p.m.: She reached her house after dropping off the PSO at the police station with instructions to come to her house at 5.30 p.m.

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2.30 p.m.: The household help Virender Prasad left the house. 4.50 p.m.: Santosh was allegedly seen near the victim’s flat by a neighbour.

4.55 p.m.: Prasad returns and again leaves for the pharmacy. Returned and then took the dog for a walk.

5.30 p.m.: Santosh was allegedly seen driving off on his mobike by Advocate O.P. Singh. This witness later turned hostile.

5.40 p.m.: The PSO arrived with Constable Dev Kumar. He rang the bell but there was no response. As the door was ajar, they stepped in, went to Mattoo’s bedroom and found her lying dead under the bed. The cord of a heat convector was wrapped around her neck.