Kasganj Violence Verdict: Chandan Gupta's Family Advocates for Stricter Sentences for Main Accused

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Lucknow has sentenced 28 individuals to life imprisonment for their involvement in the 2018 Kasganj violence. Chandan Gupta, a 22-year-old, was killed during a Tiranga Yatra on Republic Day. His family expressed satisfaction with the verdict but vowed to continue seeking harsher penalties for the main accused and those acquitted.

Chandan's family, including his father Sushil Gupta, mother Sangeeta Gupta, and sister Kirti Gupta, hoisted the national flag at their home in Kasganj. Sushil Gupta expressed gratitude for the court's decision, stating, "We respect the decision given by the court." However, Sangeeta Gupta, while acknowledging the punishment, said, "As a mother, I cannot be happy, but the accused deserved punishment, even though it came after such a long time."

Family Seeks Harsher Penalties

Sangeeta Gupta believes those who fired the shots should have received the death penalty. She lamented her son's unfulfilled dreams and expressed her ongoing pain. "My child had dreams; I endured the pain, and I still do not understand how I lost him," she said tearfully. She also requested police protection for her family.

Vivek Gupta, Chandan's brother, stated that their fight is not over. He plans to approach the high court to seek the death penalty for those responsible. "In our own country, my brother was brutally murdered," he said. "We are satisfied with this decision, but we will also appeal in the high court to demand the death penalty for the main accused."

Legal Proceedings and Government Response

The case gained significant attention due to the communal tensions it sparked in Kasganj. District government counsel Manoj Kumar Tripathi noted that each convict received life imprisonment plus an additional three years for dishonouring the flag. He mentioned plans to appeal against the acquittal of two individuals.

Uttar Pradesh minister and BJP leader Dayashankar Singh praised the government's efforts in securing convictions. He stated that justice was delivered swiftly due to thorough investigations and concrete evidence presented in court. "The family of Chandan Gupta demanded justice," Singh said.

Government's Commitment to Justice

BJP spokesperson Sameer Singh highlighted that under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's leadership, justice delivery in heinous crimes has been prioritised. The Kasganj case is one example of timely justice through efficient police and administrative action. "Convictions in these cases reflect the government's commitment to cracking down on offenders swiftly," he remarked.

Regarding plans to appeal acquittals, Singh added that higher courts remain open for such matters. The government will fully support Chandan's family in their pursuit of justice.