Anger erupted outside a court in Chhattisgarh’s Dhamtari on Wednesday after five men were sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of three friends in a case that shocked the district.

Relatives of the victims expressed disappointment with the court’s decision and demanded the death penalty for the convicts. As the accused were being taken out of the court premises, some family members threw shoes, slippers and stones at them, shouting, “What did you gain by destroying our families?”

The court had sentenced all five adult accused to life imprisonment in the triple-murder case.

Families Demand Death Penalty

The victims’ relatives said the three men had left behind young children and argued that life imprisonment was not sufficient punishment.

One relative became emotional while recalling a young daughter of one of the victims, saying the child still looks towards the door expecting her father to return with chocolates.

The families said they were unhappy with the sentence and would consider challenging the verdict in a higher court.

Police personnel maintained security outside the court as the convicts were taken away in a prison vehicle.

Three Friends Killed After Dispute

The incident took place near Annapurna Dhaba in Bhoyna village under the Arjuni police station area of Dhamtari on the night of August 11, 2025.

According to the prosecution case, five young men travelling in a car had gone out in Dhamtari and stopped near the dhaba to ask about something.

Eight people were already at the dhaba and were reportedly involved in an argument over payment of a bill. The group was allegedly damaging chairs at the establishment.

When the five youths got out of their car, an argument broke out between the two groups. The dispute escalated into verbal abuse and then a physical confrontation.

Knife Attack Killed Three

During the altercation, the main accused, Gopi Diwan, allegedly attacked three of the youths with a knife.

The victims were identified as Alok Singh Thakur, Nitin Tandi and Suresh Nihal.

All three died at the scene from injuries sustained in the attack. The injured victims were taken to hospital after the incident, while police launched an investigation into the killings.

The case subsequently became known as the Dhamtari triple-murder case.

Five Adults Among Eight Accused

Police arrested the accused following the investigation. The case involved five adult accused and three juveniles.

Public prosecutor Geetesh Prajapati said the five adult accused had been convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for the triple murder.

Additional sentences were also imposed for other offences. The accused received two years for rioting, five years for illegal possession of weapons and six months for assaulting others.

Gopi Diwan, Kuleshwar Netam and Ranveer Sahu were separately sentenced in the weapons-related case.

The prosecutor said sentences of up to three years would run concurrently.

Verdict Delivered Within a Year

The prosecution said the case was decided within roughly a year.

The charge sheet was submitted before the court on November 11, while the verdict was pronounced on August 12, 2026.

The prosecution had sought the death penalty for the accused, while the victims’ families had also demanded capital punishment.

However, the court awarded life imprisonment to the five adult accused.

The verdict was delivered by First Additional Sessions Judge Mohan Singh Korram.

Families May Challenge Verdict

The victims’ families have indicated that they are considering an appeal against the sentence.

Their reaction outside the court reflected the anger and grief that has continued since the three young men were killed.

The case had also drawn attention because of the circumstances surrounding the victims’ deaths and the impact on their families, including young children who lost their fathers.

With the five accused sentenced to life imprisonment, the next legal step could now come from the victims’ families if they decide to challenge the punishment before a higher court.

A former digital forensics expert who once worked for convicted Idaho murderer Bryan Kohberger’s defence team has dramatically reversed his position, saying fresh analysis of mobile phone data has convinced him that Kohberger deserves the death penalty. The development comes as Kohberger seeks to withdraw his guilty plea in one of the most high-profile murder cases in recent US history.

Sy Ray, a digital forensics specialist and former Arizona homicide investigator, said his reassessment followed a more detailed examination of Kohberger’s cellphone records. Speaking during a podcast interview, Ray stated that the evidence now points more strongly toward Kohberger’s involvement than he had previously believed.

Expert reverses earlier findings

Ray claimed that advanced analysis of location data revealed multiple "collisions" between Kohberger’s mobile phone and the device belonging to victim Madison Mogen before the November 2022 killings.

According to him, the data suggests Kohberger may have visited the victims’ residence before the murders and that Mogen could have been the intended target.

His latest assessment marks a significant departure from the report he submitted in January 2025 while working with the defence. At that time, Ray had concluded that available location data did not establish any meaningful connection between Kohberger and the victims or place him near the crime scene.

Supports death penalty

Following his revised analysis, Ray publicly backed capital punishment for Kohberger.

"Bring back the death penalty. I am all for this," he said during the interview, arguing that the new evidence substantially strengthened the prosecution's case.

His comments have attracted widespread attention because he was previously retained by Kohberger’s legal team to challenge digital evidence presented by prosecutors.

Kohberger seeks to withdraw guilty plea

The renewed debate comes after Kohberger filed a handwritten petition asking the court to withdraw the guilty plea he entered in July 2025.

Kohberger, 31, pleaded guilty to the murders of University of Idaho students Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin, receiving four consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole.

In his petition, he alleged that his defence attorneys provided ineffective legal representation and pressured him into accepting the plea agreement.

He claimed his lawyers exaggerated the likelihood of receiving the death penalty if the case went to trial and persuaded him to admit guilt despite maintaining his innocence.

"My actual innocence is my truth, and the plea, hinged on false promises and blatant disinformation, MUST be withdrawn," Kohberger wrote in his filing.

However, his current claims contrast sharply with statements made during the original plea hearing, when the judge specifically asked whether he was pleading guilty because he was guilty. Kohberger answered, "Yes."

Families prepared for retrial

The legal challenge has reignited emotions among the victims' families, many of whom have criticised Kohberger's attempt to reverse his conviction.

Representatives of the Goncalves family have indicated they would support a retrial if the guilty plea is ultimately withdrawn, even if it means reliving the lengthy legal proceedings. A retrial could also reopen the possibility of prosecutors once again seeking the death penalty.

Court appoints new lawyer

A judge has approved Kohberger's request for new court-appointed counsel to review his petition.

If the court determines that no significant legal errors occurred during the plea process, Kohberger's life sentences will remain in place. However, if the plea is overturned, prosecutors could pursue capital punishment once again under Idaho law.

In a landmark judgment, the Gujarat High Court on Monday upheld the Ahmedabad City Sessions Court's 2022 verdict in the 2008 Ahmedabad serial blasts case, confirming the death sentence awarded to 38 convicts and life imprisonment till the end of natural life for 11 others. The division bench dismissed all appeals filed by the convicts while also affirming the trial court's findings.

The High Court further directed the Gujarat government to ensure compensation for victims by March 31, 2027. Families of those killed in the blasts will receive ₹10 lakh each, victims who sustained grievous injuries will be paid ₹5 lakh, while those with minor injuries will receive ₹1 lakh as compensation.

High Court Confirms Trial Court Verdict

The verdict marks the culmination of a long legal battle that began after the devastating serial blasts on July 26, 2008. The Ahmedabad City Sessions Court had, on February 18, 2022, sentenced 38 convicts to death and 11 others to life imprisonment until the end of their natural lives. The Gujarat government had sought confirmation of the death penalties, while the convicted individuals challenged the judgment before the High Court.

After hearing the appeals, the High Court upheld the trial court's order in its entirety.

2008 Blasts Claimed 56 Lives

The coordinated terror attack struck Ahmedabad on the evening of July 26, 2008, when 21 bomb blasts ripped through 20 locations across the city within a span of nearly 90 minutes, between 6:15 pm and 7:45 pm.

The explosions killed 56 people and injured more than 200 others. Investigators said improvised explosive devices were planted in bicycles, buses and cars, including vehicles parked near Civil Hospital and L.G. Hospital, where several casualties were reported.

Massive Trial Spanning More Than a Decade

The trial involved 78 accused, of whom 49 were convicted and 29 acquitted. According to the prosecution, the investigation included 35 FIRs, 548 charge sheets, examination of 1,163 witnesses, and nearly 6,000 documentary and material exhibits.

The court's judgment ran into approximately 7,000 pages, while the complete case record reportedly exceeded 7.8 lakh pages, making it one of India's most extensive criminal trials.

The accused faced charges under multiple provisions of the Indian Penal Code, the Explosive Substances Act, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Information Technology Act, the Arms Act, and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.

Security Tightened Around High Court

Ahead of the verdict, authorities deployed extensive security arrangements at the Gujarat High Court. Entry to the court premises was allowed only after baggage screening, while personnel from the Crime Branch, local police, State Reserve Police (SRP), and the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad were stationed throughout the complex.

More than two dozen lawyers attended the proceedings, and security remained in place inside and outside Court No. 39, where the judgment was pronounced.

Prosecution's Case

During the trial, the prosecution alleged that several accused had attended training camps in Halol, Gujarat, and Kerala in early 2008, where they were allegedly trained in bomb-making and radicalised through extremist speeches. Investigators claimed the conspirators later executed the coordinated bomb attacks targeting crowded public places across Ahmedabad.

The investigation led to the arrest of 82 accused after police registered 20 FIRs in Ahmedabad and 15 in Surat. Officials stated that the case was substantially cracked within 19 days of the blasts.

The High Court's decision is one of the most significant judicial developments in the nearly 18-year-old terror case, reaffirming the convictions and sentences awarded by the trial court while bringing the prolonged appellate proceedings to a close.

Special judge calls it 'rarest of rare' case; accused sexually assaulted 3.5-year-old, stuffed pants 21 cm into her mouth to suffocate her

The Pune District and Sessions Court on Monday sentenced 65-year-old Bhimrao Kamble to death for the rape and murder of a three-and-a-half-year-old toddler in Nasrapur, Bhor taluka of Pune district. Special Judge S.R. Salunkhe delivered the verdict, making it one of Maharashtra's fastest-concluded capital punishment cases, with the judgment pronounced just 60 days after the crime.

On June 25, the court had found Kamble guilty but reserved its decision on sentencing. While pronouncing the death sentence on Monday, the judge made a series of strong observations on the brutality of the crime, describing it as a "rarest of rare" case warranting the maximum punishment.

'Even hanging is insufficient for such a demon'

While reading out the verdict, Special Judge S.R. Salunkhe severely criticized the cruelty of the accused in harsh words.

"The accused left no option for the little girl to survive. He subjected her to inhuman torture, and not only that, but even after the murder he sexually assaulted her dead body. Even the death penalty is insufficient for such a demon."

"There were as many as 18 wounds on the girl's body. To suffocate her, her pants were stuffed 21 centimeters into her mouth. The helpless girl endured unbearable pain."

The judge noted that the accused had "crossed the level of reform long ago." Looking at his past history—previously at the age of 53, he had attempted to assault a girl in the family and an elderly person as well—he has no remorse whatsoever. "This incident falls into the 'rarest of rare' category."

Supreme Court precedents cited

Special Public Prosecutor Ajay Misar cited 12 judgments of the Supreme Court to argue for the death penalty. All these judgments had similarities with the Nasrapur incident.

While delivering the final verdict, the judges cited the 'Nirbhaya case', 'Bashar Ali case', 'Shankar Khade case' and 'Bachan Singh versus State of Punjab' cases.

"A murder committed with a calm mind after conspiracy, the cruelty in the crime and the shock to society caused by this incident—all these factors qualify for the death penalty. This act committed with a helpless girl child to satisfy one's own lust is inhuman," the court clarified.

Police investigation praised

During the verdict, the court profusely praised the work of the police and investigation agencies.

"Within just 16 days of the crime occurring, the police filed a strong charge sheet. Even during the summer vacation, the court gave full time to this case. 55 witnesses were examined. The doctor, cyber experts, and forensic team did commendable work. The police deserve congratulations for conducting an excellent investigation."

"Getting such speedy justice is a dream, which is not possible in all cases. However, the teamwork in this case and the follow-up by the special government lawyers is an ideal example for everyone," said the judge.

Age plea rejected

During the hearing, the issue of the accused's advancing age was raised on his behalf. The defense requested that a lenient sentence be given instead of death penalty considering his age. However, the court did not accept this argument.

Shocking medical report

According to the medical report presented by the prosecution, the accused sexually assaulted the toddler with extreme brutality. Not only that, but the prosecution made a serious claim that the assault continued even after her death. The findings in this report had triggered a wave of outrage across the entire state.

Crime timeline

On May 1, in Nasrapur, the accused allegedly assaulted and murdered the toddler over a period of approximately 39 minutes. After this incident, anger was expressed throughout the state including Pune. Protests took place at various locations and demands were made for strict punishment.

Fast-track trial

The state government took serious cognizance of this case and decided to conduct the trial in a Fast Track Court. The Pune Rural Police filed the chargesheet in just 16 days. Testimonies of more than 55 witnesses were recorded and various technical evidence including CCTV footage was also presented.

What happened during the previous hearing?

During the previous hearing, Special Judge S.R. Salunkhe found Kamble guilty. After the crime was proven, the judge made the accused stand directly in the dock and asked him point-blank, "Remember that incident and tell me yourself what punishment should be given to you?" In response, the accused tried to defend himself and attempted to fabricate a false story of an accident.

Society's reaction

This incident had extremely serious and far-reaching effects on society. An enraged crowd, in a sentiment of lost faith in the law, blocked the Mumbai-Bangalore highway demanding that the accused be handed over to them. With this verdict, there is a feeling that the accused has received the highest punishment for his cruel act under charges of kidnapping, assault and murder as well as POCSO laws.

Heavy police deployment was stationed outside the Pune District and Sessions Court. A large crowd of citizens also gathered in the court premises.