Assam: Man Sentenced to Death for Murdering College Student Over Rejected Marriage Proposal
The verdict, delivered by District and Sessions Court Judge Ajay Faglu, comes exactly four years after the horrific crime that shook the community on August 21, 2021.
DHEMAJI- In a chilling case that has sparked widespread outrage, a court in Assam’s Dhemaji district sentenced Rintu Sarma to death on Thursday for the brutal murder of a college student, Nandita Saikia, who rejected his marriage proposal.
The verdict, delivered by District and Sessions Court Judge Ajay Faglu, comes exactly four years after the horrific crime that shook the community on August 21, 2021.
The incident occurred when Nandita Saikia, a student at Moridhol College, was returning home with her father and a friend. Rintu Sarma, a fourth-grade worker at the same college, ambushed the trio and launched a vicious attack, fatally injuring Nandita and seriously wounding her father and friend.
The prosecution established that Sarma’s motive was rooted in his rage over Nandita’s refusal to accept his marriage proposal.
The court convicted Sarma on Wednesday under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Section 302 (murder), Section 307 (attempt to murder), and Section 324 (voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means).
During the trial, the prosecution presented compelling evidence, including witness testimonies and forensic reports, which painted a grim picture of Sarma’s premeditated attack. The court deemed the case “rarest of rare,” justifying the death penalty as a deterrent for such heinous crimes.
Judge Faglu emphasized the need to uphold justice for the victim and send a strong message against gender-based violence.
Nandita’s family expressed relief at the verdict, with her father stating, “No punishment can bring my daughter back, but this ensures her killer faces justice.”
The case has reignited discussions on the safety of women and the consequences of toxic masculinity, with local activists calling for greater awareness and stricter measures to prevent such tragedies.
The verdict has drawn significant attention across Assam, with authorities reinforcing their commitment to combating violence against women. The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked obsession and the urgent need for societal change to protect women’s autonomy.
