Matigara rape-murder: Death sentence for accused yet to be executed, victim’s mother appeals for justice

Mohammad Abbas was convicted and sentenced to death by the Shiliguri Sub-Divisional Court on September 7, 2024, for the rape and murder of a 16-year-old schoolgirl in Matigara on August 21, 2023. The court found Abbas guilty of the brutal crime, describing it as "barbaric" and awarding the death penalty. The court's decision came after an investigation by local authorities and a trial that attracted widespread attention due to the nature of the crime.

The legal process following the sentencing includes a review of the verdict by the Calcutta High Court, which has been done as a procedural step. The High Court will either uphold, modify, or annul the death sentence. Additionally, the accused has the right to appeal the verdict to higher courts. Following this, the accused can seek clemency from the President of India. This series of legal procedures is standard for death penalty cases, as per Indian law, which ensures all legal avenues are exhausted before a sentence is carried out.

While the legal process continues, the victim’s family remains in a state of uncertainty. The victim’s mother has expressed her anguish over the delay in executing the death sentence. She has also raised concerns about the cost of keeping the accused in jail during the prolonged legal process. As of now, there has been no official confirmation of when the sentence will be carried out, as the case is still subject to the ongoing judicial review process.

The case has also led to political reactions, with various political leaders commenting on the status of the case. Atri Sharma, the district secretary of the Trinamool Congress, explained that the High Court’s review is a necessary part of the judicial process and that the sentence will only be executed after all legal avenues are exhausted. Political figures have also urged the authorities to ensure that the judicial process is completed in a timely manner, although they have acknowledged that the delay is a result of legal formalities rather than administrative inaction.