Pranay honour killing case: One sentenced to death, six get life imprisonment

Telangana: The Miryalguda honour killing case that shocked the country concluded with a special court in Telangana giving the death penalty to one of the prime accused and life imprisonment for the other six.

The Nalgonda SC/ST Second Additional Sessions Court delivered its verdict in the Pranay Kumar murder case—a landmark judgment on caste-based violence and honour killing. The court sentenced Subhash Sharma (Accused No. 2) to death, while the other six received life imprisonment.

What is the Pranay Kumar murder case?

On September 14, 2018, Pranay Kumar, a 23-year-old Dalit man, was brutally murdered in Miryalaguda, Telangana. The attack occurred in broad daylight as Pranay was leaving a hospital with his pregnant wife, Amrutha Varshini, and his mother. The assailant, Subhash Sharma, used a machete to carry out the killing. The motive behind the murder was rooted in caste-based prejudice, as Pranay had married Amrutha against the wishes of her family, particularly her father, T Maruthi Rao, who opposed the inter-caste union.

The verdict

The court’s judgment is as follows: Subhash Sharma (A2) found guilty of executing the murder and sentenced to death. Others accused (A3 to A8), including Amrutha’s uncle, Shravan Kumar, were each sentenced to life imprisonment. During the sentencing, these individuals pleaded for leniency, citing family responsibilities and denying involvement in the crime.

What was the role of the father, Maruthi Rao (A1)?

Maruthi Rao, the main perpetrator and father of Amrutha, was identified as the mastermind behind the murder. He allegedly hired contract killers to eliminate Pranay due to his disapproval of their inter-caste marriage. However, before the trial concluded, Maruthi Rao died by suicide in March 2020, reportedly due to fear of the court’s judgement.

Murderers meticulously planned the crime using technology

Speaking about the final verdict AV Ranganath IPS—now serving as HYDRAA commissioner in Hyderabad—who was the Nalgonda SP at the time of the murder, and spearheaded the investigation, said, “The investigation highlighted how the criminals in the case utilised technology to plan and execute the crime, including conducting reconnaissance and coordinating among themselves. The investigation showed the court and even provided insights into the meticulous planning by the perpetrators. The verdict is seen as a significant step toward addressing caste-based violence and honour killings in India, sending a strong message about the legal consequences of such actions.”