‘I have been a beggar for the past five-and-a-half years’

Being a police officer RK Sharma knew that this was the minimum punishment a person convicted for murder would get, reports Naziya Alvi.

“I have been a beggar for the past five-and-a-half years,” said RK Sharma when asked by a court staff if he was carrying the fine money with him. This was a few minutes before he was sentenced to life imprisonment by the city court that also imposed a fine of Rs 20,000 on him.

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“You are supposed to know this. As per law, I am not supposed to carry money with me,” Sharma added.

Dressed in a pink T- Shirt and a brown trouser, Sharma looked composed when brought to the court at 2:15 pm. He then exchanged greetings with the journalists and the lawyers present in the courtroom.

Besides Sharma, the other three convicts — Pradeep, Satya Prakash and Sri Bhagwan — were also present also looked equally unfazed. Tension was, however, writ large on the faces of the lawyers.

After the life sentence was pronounced, there was no element of surprise on Sharma’s face. Being a police officer it seemed he knew that this was the minimum punishment a person convicted for murder would get.

Sharma’s family — his wife Madhu Sharma and two daughters — who have been his constant companion during the trial, were absent. His aunt and uncle were, however, present in the court.

As Sharma was being taken away, he hugged his aunt saying Sab theek ho jayega. Talking to media, she said, “ Injustice has been done. Hamara ladka aisa kaam kar hi nahin sakta.”

Convict Pradeep Sharma’s wife, however, broke down in the court as the punishment was pronounced. Later, he was seen consoling her.

Family of the third convict Sri Bhagwan was also upset with the verdict and said they would challenge it in the high court.