Nagpur Man Sentenced to Life for Murdering His Two-Year-Old Daughter
Nagpur, India: Kishor Sukhdeo Soyam was sentenced to life imprisonment by Additional Sessions Judge Ms MV Deshpande on Wednesday for the brutal murder of his two-year-old daughter. The shocking incident occurred in March 2021 at Ganeshpur in Hingna taluka, driven by Soyam's suspicions about his wife’s fidelity.
Soyam, 26, from Uttiumarwahi in Sindewahi taluka of Chandrapur district, had been in a relationship with Puja, 23, for four years before marrying her in 2017. After their marriage, they moved to Ganeshpur and began working as labourers at a factory in Butibori. Their marriage started to unravel following the birth of their daughter, Radhika, in 2018, as Soyam began doubting that she was his biological child. His suspicions led to violent outbursts, and after Radhika’s birth, Soyam's behaviour became increasingly abusive. This forced Puja to temporarily leave him and return to her native village with her mother and their newborn.
Despite returning to live with Soyam, Puja continued to endure his alcoholism and abuse. To provide for the family, she took a job at an oil factory. The situation escalated on March 1, 2021, when an intoxicated Soyam demanded Rs 1,000 from Puja to buy more alcohol. After she refused, he assaulted her, prompting Puja to seek assistance from the MIDC Bori Police Station.
When Puja returned with the police, they found the house door locked from the inside. Upon breaking in, they discovered that Soyam had used a razor to slit his daughter's throat. He had also attempted suicide by slitting his own throat but survived. The police immediately transported both Soyam and his critically injured daughter to the hospital, where Radhika was declared dead on arrival.
Following Puja's complaint, Soyam was arrested after his medical treatment and charged under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code. The court examined 14 witnesses during the trial, ultimately finding Soyam guilty. He was sentenced to life imprisonment and fined Rs 5,000. Additional Public Prosecutor Adv Pankaj Tapase represented the State in the case.
