January 27, 2025: A Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court in Chandigarh is set to pronounce the quantum of punishment today for eight policemen convicted in the custodial death of Suraj, an accused in the 2017 rape-murder case of a 16-year-old girl in Shimla’s Kotkhai area.

The convicted officers include Himachal Pradesh Inspector General (IG) Zahoor Haider Zaidi, then DSP of Theog Manoj Joshi, former Kotkhai SHO Rajinder Singh, ASI Deep Chand, Head Constable Surat Singh, and constables Mohan Lal, Rafiq Ali, and Ranjit Singh. They were found guilty on January 18. However, the court acquitted then Superintendent of Police (SP) DW Negi.

The case dates back to July 4, 2017, when the 16-year-old girl went missing while returning from school. Her body was discovered two days later in a forest in Kotkhai, triggering widespread anger and demands for justice. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) under IG Zahoor Haider Zaidi was constituted, leading to the arrest of five suspects, including Suraj and another man, Raju.

Suraj died during police custody shortly after his arrest, sparking allegations of foul play and public outrage. The CBI subsequently took over the investigation on July 22, 2017, leading to the arrest of Zaidi and other officers for their alleged involvement in the custodial death.

In 2021, Nillu, a woodcutter, was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for the rape and murder of the girl. However, Suraj’s death has remained a critical part of the case, exposing alleged police brutality and misuse of power.

The court’s verdict today is expected to bring closure to the custodial death case, which has been a major blot on the law enforcement agencies involved.