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Mathura sessions court awards death sentence to man in saree for setting woman ablaze after sexual assault bid
A Mathura sessions court sentenced 28-year-old Umesh Kumar to death for murdering a 30-year-old woman after entering her house in a saree, attempting to sexually assault her, and setting her on fire. The verdict cited the offence as a 'rarest of rare crime' and imposed a ₹1.2 lakh fine; the case now goes to the High Court for confirmation.
Why It Matters
The ruling highlights the judiciary's response to gender-based violence and the application of death penalty under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita framework, with a mandatory High Court review.
Timeline
6 Events
Death sentence awarded; fine imposed; records to High Court for confirmation
May 5, 2026
Session Judge Vikas Kumar awarded death under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, calling the crime a 'rarest of rare' offence, and imposed a fine of ₹1.2 lakh. The judge also stated that the case records will be sent to the High Court under Section 393 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita for confirmation of the death sentence.
Conviction of Umesh Kumar
April 30, 2026
The court convicted Umesh Kumar on April 30, 2026, for the offences in connection with the March 2025 incident.
Cognisance taken by court
June 10, 2025
The court took cognisance of the case on June 10, 2025.
Charge sheet filed
May 12, 2025
The charge sheet was filed on May 12, 2025, naming sections 74, 333 and 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Death of the woman in hospital
March 12, 2025
The woman, who sustained severe burn injuries, died on March 12, 2025, after initial treatment in Farah and subsequent care at SN Medical College and Hospital in Agra.
Incident in Farah, Mathura: man enters house wearing saree, attempts sexual assault, and sets woman on fire
March 11, 2025
On March 11, 2025, Umesh Kumar allegedly entered the complainant’s house wearing a saree, attempted to sexually assault her, poured an inflammable substance on her, and set her ablaze. Locals responded as the accused tried to flee from the terrace, during which he fell from the roof and sustained injuries. Investigators noted previous enmity with the victim’s family.