An Uttar Pradesh court has sentenced a woman to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of her four-year-old son, bringing legal closure to a case that sent shockwaves across Bijnor district. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 60,000, directing that Rs 40,000 be paid to the child’s father as compensation.

The verdict was delivered by Special Additional District and Sessions Judge (POCSO) Lokesh Nagar, who convicted accused Aadesh Devi of murdering her son Harsh and attempting to burn his body to destroy evidence.

The horrific crime took place on June 12, 2024, in Jalalpur Hasna village under Heempur Deepa police station limits. According to the prosecution, the child’s father, Kapil Kumar, had gone to work in the fields when the incident occurred.

When he returned home, he allegedly found his wife attacking their four-year-old son with a spade. The prosecution said she then tried to throw the critically injured child into burning firewood in an attempt to set the body on fire.

The FIR stated that when Kapil Kumar questioned his wife, she allegedly chased him with the spade. With the help of family members, he managed to pull the child from the burning wood and rushed away, but the boy succumbed to his injuries.

Police later filed a chargesheet against Aadesh Devi under charges including murder and destruction of evidence. During the trial, the prosecution relied on witness testimonies and forensic evidence to establish the case.

The defence claimed that the accused was mentally unwell. However, after examining the evidence and submissions from both sides, the court rejected the defence and held her guilty.

Along with the life sentence, the court ordered Aadesh Devi to pay a fine of Rs 60,000. Of this amount, Rs 40,000 will be given to the victim’s father as financial assistance.

– Ends

with inputs from Ritik Rajput

Published By:

Zafar Zaidi

Published On:

Jul 19, 2026 07:45 IST