Uttarakhand Appeals to SC in 2014 Pithoragarh Rape-Murder Verdict

The Uttarakhand government has decided to move the Supreme Court with a review petition after the recent Supreme Court release in the Pithoragarh case, which set free those accused in the 2014 rape and murder of a minor girl. The decision was taken after detailed consultations with legal experts, as the state maintains its stand on ensuring justice for the minor rape victim and keeping public faith in the justice system whole.

The case goes back to November 20, 2014, when a young girl disappeared during a wedding function at Ramlila Ground in Haldwani. Six days later, her body was found in the Gaula River. The postmortem revealed she had been sexually assaulted and murdered, sparking extensive anger and protests over women safety in India and the failing law and order situation at that time.

Police arrested the main accused, Akhtar Ali, along with two others. In 2016, a special court handed Ali the death penalty, which was later upheld by the High Court in 2019. However, in a recent Supreme Court judgment on women safety, the apex court acquitted the accused, triggering sharp reactions from citizens and women’s rights activists. The state has now resolved to challenge this decision by filing a review petition.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited Chamoli district after an overwhelming rainstorm on Wednesday night. The disaster damaged about 35 houses, injured 20 people, and left 14 missing, affecting over 200 residents. Rescue operations are underway with teams from NDRF, SDRF, ITBP, and local police, while severely injured victims have been shifted to AIIMS Rishikesh.

CM Dhami reaffirmed the government’s commitment to women safety in India and justice, stressing that Uttarakhand will continue its fight for victims’ rights and ensure accountability through every legal channel available.