SUMAN K SHRIVASTAVA
Ranchi, April 8: After spending nearly 12 years in prison for a murder that could not be conclusively proven, Jharkhand constable Jay Prakash Yadav has been acquitted by the Supreme Court, which found the evidence against him insufficient to sustain a conviction.
Yadav, who was serving a life sentence, was convicted of allegedly killing his superior, Sub-Inspector Sunil Soren, in 2014 at the IRB camp in Piparwar, Chatra. His conviction had been upheld by both the trial court and the Jharkhand High Court.
Evidence Failed to Prove Guilt
Setting aside the conviction, the Supreme Court ruled on April 6 that the case rested entirely on circumstantial evidence that did not meet the required standard of proof.
The court highlighted serious flaws in the prosecution’s case, noting that there was no eyewitness to the incident. The key witness admitted during cross-examination that he could not clearly see the accused due to the darkness and had identified him only by voice, weakening the credibility of his testimony.
The bench observed that the evidence did not form a complete chain pointing only to the guilt of the accused, making it unsafe to uphold the conviction.
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Gaps in Investigation
The court also flagged inconsistencies in witness testimonies and doubts surrounding the weapon used. Crucial records, including the duty register of the day of the incident, were not produced, further weakening the prosecution’s case.
It reiterated that suspicion, however strong, cannot replace proof in criminal law.
Immediate Release, Relief After Years
The Supreme Court ordered Yadav’s immediate release, noting that he had already spent nearly 12 years in custody.
The bench also allowed him to seek reinstatement in service with consequential benefits. If reinstatement is not possible, authorities have been directed to consider adequate financial compensation.
What was the Case?
According to the prosecution, Yadav shot dead SI Sunil Soren on May 18, 2014, allegedly after his leave request was denied. He was convicted in 2016, and his appeal was dismissed by the High Court in 2024.
However, in its judgment, the Supreme Court concluded that the evidence fell short of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt—bringing an end to a case that kept the constable behind bars for over a decade.