This murder case exposed how political power can shield serious crime, at least initially.

Описание: Nitish Katara Murder (2002, Ghaziabad

Background
Victim:
• Nitish Katara (22), MBA student
Accused:
• Vikas Yadav and Vishal Yadav (sons of a powerful Uttar Pradesh politician)
• Sukhdev Pehalwan (associate)
What happened
In February 2002, Nitish Katara attended a wedding in Ghaziabad. He was in a relationship with Bhartiya Yadav, the sister/cousin of the main accused (accounts vary). The family opposed the relationship due to caste and status reasons.
Nitish was abducted from the wedding venue, beaten, murdered, and his body was burnt in an attempt to destroy evidence.
Why the case became controversial
1. Political influence at the start
• The accused were closely related to a powerful politician.
• Police initially showed unusual delay and reluctance in acting.
• Evidence collection was slow and poorly handled.
2. Witness intimidation
• Several witnesses turned hostile.
• Key testimonies changed over time, suggesting pressure.
3. Attempt to frame the murder as accidental
• Early narratives tried to downplay the crime and disconnect the accused.
Breakthrough and trial
Despite obstacles, Nitish Katara’s family pursued the case relentlessly.
Over time:
• Call records and witness testimonies linked the accused to the crime.
• Courts acknowledged honour killing as the motive.
• The role of influence in delaying justice was openly discussed in judgments.
Final verdict
• 2014: Trial court convicted all three accused.
• 2016: Delhi High Court upheld life imprisonment for the main accused.
• 2018: Supreme Court confirmed convictions and sentences.
The courts explicitly noted the misuse of power and attempts to obstruct justice.
Why this case matters
The Nitish Katara case is remembered because:
• It exposed how political power can shield serious crime, at least initially.
• It became a landmark case on honour killings in urban India.
• It proved that sustained legal pressure can overcome influence.