In a major development seven years after the crime, a district court in Chandigarh has delivered its verdict in the high-profile murder case of property dealer Rajveer Singh alias Sonu Shah.
The court acquitted gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and four other accused due to lack of evidence, while convicting three individuals in the case. The sentencing is scheduled for February 20.
Accused Acquitted and Convicted
Those acquitted include Lawrence Bishnoi, Dharminder Singh, Abhishek alias Bunty, Raju Basodi and Deepak Ranga.
The court convicted Shubham alias Bignee, Manjeet alias Mota and Rajan alias Jaat for murder. The convicts and other accused were reportedly lodged in different jails across Chandigarh, Delhi, Ambala and Gujarat.
The 2019 Murder
On September 28, 2019, property dealer Rajveer Singh alias Sonu Shah was shot dead inside his office in Burail village, Sector 45, Chandigarh. The assailants allegedly fired around 14 rounds. Sonu Shah died on the spot, while two others, Joginder Singh and Parminder, sustained injuries.
Following the murder, a voice message went viral on social media in which Raju Basodi allegedly claimed responsibility on behalf of the Bishnoi gang.
The Crime Branch of Chandigarh Police investigated the case and filed a chargesheet in September 2019 against eight accused, including Lawrence Bishnoi. The prosecution had alleged that the murder was orchestrated through a jail-based criminal network.
The case drew significant public attention due to the alleged involvement of organized crime elements. The final sentencing for the convicted individuals will be pronounced on February 20.
