After a long wait of 25 years, justice has finally been served in the sensational Janardan Singh murder case in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh. A local court has sentenced BJP leader Vijay Singh Vidyarthi and Pramod Singh to life imprisonment for their involvement in the cold-blooded murder that took place in broad daylight in the busy Itauri market area on 3 October 2000.

The Shocking Incident That Shook Jaunpur

According to the case filed by Anirudh Singh, his brother Janardan Singh was shot dead in public by the accused. Just four days before the incident, Ajay Singh—brother of Vijay Singh Vidyarthi—had threatened the victim's family after a dispute arose in the village over interference in his personal matters. A panchayat was called to resolve the issue, which allegedly infuriated the accused and led them to plot Janardan Singh’s murder.

Murder Executed in Broad Daylight

On the day of the murder, Janardan Singh and his nephew were returning from the market when they were intercepted by two bike-borne assailants. Vijay Singh Vidyarthi and Pramod Singh caught Janardan, while Ajay Singh fired the fatal shot. The attackers then warned bystanders not to intervene and fled the scene, leaving behind one of the bikes.

Decades of Legal Battle

A case was registered at the Sarai Khwaja police station, and while Ajay Singh was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment earlier, Vijay Singh and Pramod Singh had remained absconding for years. The court proceeded separately against them.

Verdict: Life Imprisonment and Fine

On Tuesday, Additional Sessions Judge Ranjit Kumar, after hearing the evidence and eyewitness testimonies, found both Vijay Singh Vidyarthi and Pramod Singh guilty. The court sentenced them to life imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹25,000 each. Following the verdict, both convicts were taken into custody and sent to the district jail.