Here are some of the most notable ones:
- Jessica Lal Murder Case (1999):
- Background: Jessica Lal, a model and bartender, was shot dead at a party in a prominent Delhi restaurant in 1999. The accused, Manu Sharma, was the son of a wealthy politician.
- Controversy: The case gained notoriety due to allegations of witness tampering and political influence. Initially, Manu Sharma was acquitted, but public outrage and media pressure led to a retrial, resulting in his conviction in 2006.
- Nitish Katara Murder Case (2002):
- Background: Nitish Katara, a young man from Delhi, was murdered in 2002, allegedly due to his relationship with Bharti Yadav, the daughter of a powerful politician.
- Controversy: The case highlighted the influence of politicians and the abuse of power in India. Despite the accused, Vikas Yadav and his brother Vishal Yadav, being found guilty in 2008, they continued to receive special privileges during their imprisonment, sparking outrage.
- Aarushi Talwar-Hemraj Murder Case (2008):
- Background: Aarushi Talwar, a 14-year-old girl, and the family’s domestic help, Hemraj, were found murdered in their Noida home in 2008.
- Controversy: The case saw intense media coverage and speculation. Initially, Aarushi’s parents, Rajesh and Nupur Talwar, were accused and convicted but later acquitted by the Allahabad High Court due to lack of evidence. The case remains a mystery, with various theories and suspicions.
- Nirbhaya Gang Rape and Murder Case (2012):
- Background: A young woman, referred to as “Nirbhaya” to protect her identity, was brutally gang-raped and assaulted on a moving bus in Delhi in 2012. She later succumbed to her injuries.
- Controversy: This case led to widespread protests and calls for stricter rape laws in India. The accused were arrested, tried, and sentenced to death, which sparked a debate on capital punishment. The convicts were executed in 2020.
- Sheena Bora Murder Case (2015):
- Background: Sheena Bora, the daughter of Indrani Mukerjea, a media executive, was allegedly murdered by her own mother and stepfather in 2012, but the case came to light in 2015.
- Controversy: The case involved complex relationships, financial motives, and allegations of cover-ups. It exposed the dark side of Indian high society and corporate world.
- Salman Khan Hit-and-Run Case (2002):
- Background: Bollywood actor Salman Khan was accused of running over a group of people sleeping on a Mumbai sidewalk in 2002, resulting in one fatality.
- Controversy: The case attracted immense media attention and debate over celebrity justice. Salman Khan was initially convicted but later acquitted in a higher court due to lack of evidence, causing widespread debate about the fairness of the Indian legal system.
- Talwars: Twin Murder Case (2008):
- Background: Dentist couple Rajesh and Nupur Talwar were accused of murdering their daughter Aarushi and domestic help Hemraj in their Noida home in 2008.
- Controversy: The case saw sensational media coverage, and the parents were initially convicted. However, they were later acquitted by the Allahabad High Court, raising questions about the investigation and judicial process.
These cases represent just a few examples of the famous and controversial criminal cases in India. They not only shed light on various aspects of the legal and judicial system but also reflect broader social issues such as gender violence, privilege, and the influence of politics and celebrity culture on the Indian legal system.