Man's sentence upheld for killing step-daughter

The Delhi high court has upheld the life sentence awarded to a man for killing his step-daughter seven years ago, saying his motive was "to sexually exploit" the victim.

The Delhi high court has upheld the life sentence awarded to a man for killing his step-daughter seven years ago, saying his motive was "to sexually exploit" the victim.

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Accepting the statement of victim's mother and sister that the convict's motive was "to sexually exploit" her, the bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Siddharth Mridul dismissed the appeal of Mehboob Ahmed.

"The appeal is accordingly dismissed. Conviction and sentence awarded are upheld and maintained," the bench said.

The court passed the order relying on the testimony of victim's mother who had alleged that her husband had "sexual contact forcibly" with her daughter.

She had also alleged that her husband had threatened to divorce her if she disclosed to anyone his conduct.

The court also relied on the testimony of victim's sister who had said that the victim had confided in her regarding the same. The sister alleged that the convict tried to sexually exploit her as well.

"... The motive for the murder proved by the combined testimony of PW1 (sister), PW10 (mother) and PW3 (victim's husband) is highly incriminating evidence established against the appellant," the bench said.

On May 18, 2009, the trial court convicted Ahmed and sentenced him to life imprisonment under Sec 302 of IPC for the murder.