New Delhi/Muzaffarpur: Legal troubles appear to be mounting for Raju Kumar Singh, the BJP MLA from the Sahebganj assembly constituency and a former minister. A hearing regarding the quantum of punishment in a case involving culpable homicide and the Arms Act is set to conclude on Friday at Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court, after which the court may announce the sentence.

Earlier, the court had convicted Raju Kumar Singh in connection with the death of a female doctor during a New Year's celebration in 2018. Following the conviction, the court had scheduled the hearing on sentencing for July 3.

Defense seeks leniency citing good conduct

Lawyers representing MLA Raju Kumar Singh have appealed to the court for leniency in sentencing. The defense argues that their client has maintained a good record of conduct so far, and this aspect should be taken into consideration when determining the punishment.

In Muzaffarpur, his lawyer Vinod Kumar Singh stated that while the culpable homicide charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, there is no prescribed minimum sentence. He noted that determining the duration of the sentence rests entirely within the court's discretion; on this basis, the defense has sought relief.

Female doctor died during 2018 New Year's party

The incident dates back to December 31, 2018. It is alleged that during a New Year's party held in Delhi, Dr. Archana Gupta was struck in the head by a bullet fired by Raju Kumar Singh. Critically injured, Dr. Gupta was immediately rushed to the hospital, where she passed away two days later during treatment.

Following the incident, the deceased's family filed a case against Raju Kumar Singh. After a judicial process spanning nearly seven years, the Rouse Avenue Court recently convicted him under relevant sections of the law regarding culpable homicide and the Arms Act. All eyes are now fixed on the court's decision regarding the sentence.