In Brief
The Supreme Court upheld the appellant's conviction for rape and murder of a 4-year-old child, affirming the lower courts' findings. The prosecution successfully proved a complete chain of circumstantial evidence: the appellant was last seen with the victim at a fruit vendor's shop from which she did not return; she was found severely injured and unconscious 12 hours later; DNA evidence linked hair found at the crime scene to the appellant; and the victim died from smothering. The appellant offered no credible explanation despite facts being within his special knowledge. The Court commuted the death sentence to 20 years' imprisonment, balancing retributive justice with restorative justice principles and recognizing Section 376-A IPC's applicability. All other convictions and sentences were affirmed and shall run concurrently.
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