List of 10 Most Famous Controversial Criminal Cases in India

In India, there have been lots of crime cases that have made headlines in the news and it have also triggered debate across the country. These cases aren’t all about crimes but they’re more about justice, fairness, and the way they are affecting society. From horrific murders to enormous corporate frauds, these events have turned into tragedies that affected and stayed in our country forever. This article aims to reveal the list of the 10 most popular and disputable criminal cases in India. Focusing on what happened behind the curtains, on the judgments, and the consequences that occurred as a result. Hence, now we are on the way through the roller coaster of these thrilling events, that became the focus of the nation’s attention.

List of 10 Most Famous Controversial Criminal Cases in India

Here is a list of the 10 most famous controversial criminal cases in India:

The Tarakeswar Affair (1874)

Introduction to the Case:

• The Tarakeswar scandal unfolded in colonial Bengal during the 19th century, capturing widespread public attention. It revolved around an illicit affair between Mahant, head priest of Tarakeswar Shiva temple and Elokeshi, wife of Nobin Chandra. This affair became a sensational topic covered extensively by newspapers in 1873, sparking public outrage and debate.

Facts of the Case:

• Elokeshi, a young bride married to Nobin, resided in Tarakeswar where she sought fertility treatments from the temple’s chief priest. Allegations arose that the Mahant had seduced and raped Elokeshi, leading to an affair. Upon Nobin’s return to Kumrul, Elokeshi confessed her infidelity to him. Subsequently, Nobin killed his wife by slitting her throat with a fish knife (boti). Nobin surrendered to the police, admitting to the murder due to his wife’s affair.

Issues in the Case:

• Trial 1 addressed Nobin’s mental state during the murder, questioning his sanity and control over his actions. Trial 2 focused on the legality of Nobin and Elokeshi’s marriage, Nobin’s awareness of the affair, the occurrence of sexual intercourse, and whether the Mahant knew Elokeshi’s marital status.

Judgment:

• In Trial 1, the High Court ruled Nobin as sane and guilty of culpable homicide, rejecting the defense of insanity. Nobin was sentenced to transportation for life under Section 302 of the Penal Code. In Trial 2, the High Court upheld the Mahant’s conviction for adultery, citing Hindu Law and testimonies confirming Elokeshi’s visits to the Mahant’s residence. The court emphasized the precedence of law over personal vendettas.

Conclusion:

• The Tarakeswar case emerged as a notable and controversial legal episode in British India, marked by public scrutiny and debate. Despite public sentiment favoring Nobin’s actions, the court’s verdicts adhered to legal principles, reflecting the prevailing laws and societal norms of the time.

Vidya Jain Murder Case (1967)

Introduction to the Case:

• The Vidya Jain Murder Case revolves around the tragic killing of Vidya Jain, a young woman, in Mumbai (formerly Bombay), India, in 1967. The case attracted widespread public interest and media coverage due to its sensational elements and the subsequent legal proceedings.

Facts of the Case:

• Vidya Jain, a college student, was found murdered in her apartment in Mumbai. She had been brutally stabbed to death. The investigation revealed several crucial pieces of evidence, including fingerprints, bloodstains, and witness statements.
• During the investigation, suspicion fell upon her former boyfriend, Mahesh Prasad, who was believed to have had a troubled relationship with Vidya. Prasad was arrested and charged with her murder based on the evidence gathered by the police.
• The prosecution presented a case alleging that Prasad had killed Vidya out of jealousy or revenge, citing various circumstantial and forensic evidence linking him to the crime scene.

Issue in the Case:

• The main issue in the Vidya Jain Murder Case was whether Mahesh Prasad was guilty of murdering Vidya Jain. The case hinged on the interpretation of the evidence presented by the prosecution and the defense, as well as the credibility of witnesses and the reliability of forensic findings.

Judgment:

• After a lengthy trial, Mahesh Prasad was found guilty of murdering Vidya Jain by the trial court. He was sentenced to life imprisonment for the crime. However, Prasad appealed the verdict, maintaining his innocence.
• On appeal, the higher court upheld the conviction and the sentence, ruling that the evidence presented by the prosecution was sufficient to establish Prasad’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The judgment brought closure to the case and highlighted the importance of thorough investigation and the administration of justice in criminal matters.
• The Vidya Jain Murder Case remains significant in Indian legal history as an example of the successful prosecution of a high-profile homicide case, emphasizing the role of forensic science and legal procedure in delivering justice.

The Murder of Neeraj Grover (2008)

Introduction to the Case:

• The murder of Neeraj Grover in 2008 shocked the nation and garnered widespread media attention due to its sensational nature. The case involved a love triangle and led to the arrest of two individuals, Maria Susairaj and Emile Jerome Mathew, who were convicted for their roles in Grover’s death.

Facts of the Case:

• Neeraj Grover, a television executive, was killed on May 7, 2008, in Mumbai. Maria Susairaj, an aspiring actress, and her fiancé Emile Jerome Mathew, a naval officer, were involved in a romantic relationship. Susairaj and Grover had a brief fling, which led to tensions between Susairaj and Mathew.
• On the night of the murder, Mathew discovered Grover at Susairaj’s residence. In a fit of rage, Mathew stabbed Grover multiple times, killing him. Susairaj assisted Mathew in disposing of Grover’s body by chopping it into pieces and burning it in a nearby forest.

Issue in the Case:

• The primary issue in the case was to determine the culpability of Maria Susairaj and Emile Jerome Mathew in the murder of Neeraj Grover. The prosecution argued that both Susairaj and Mathew were equally responsible for the crime, while the defense attempted to minimize Susairaj’s involvement and portray her as a victim of coercion by Mathew.

Judgment:

• In 2011, Maria Susairaj and Emile Jerome Mathew were convicted by the Mumbai Sessions Court for their roles in Neeraj Grover’s murder. Susairaj was found guilty of destruction of evidence and sentenced to three years in prison, while Mathew was convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment.
• The judgment highlighted the heinous nature of the crime and underscored the importance of upholding justice in cases of grave violence. The case served as a cautionary tale about the dangers of jealousy and obsession, ultimately leading to tragic consequences for all involved parties.

Renuka Shinde and Seema Gavit: Juvenile Killers (1990-1996)

Introduction to the Case:

• The case of Renuka Shinde and Seema Gavit, known as the juvenile killers case, gained significant attention for its shocking and tragic nature. Renuka and Seema were siblings involved in a series of kidnappings, murders, and thefts in Maharashtra, India, between 1990 and 1996. The case raised questions about the culpability of juveniles in serious crimes and the effectiveness of the juvenile justice system.

Facts of the Case:

• Renuka Shinde and Seema Gavit, sisters from a poor family, were involved in a string of crimes, including the kidnapping and murder of several young children. The sisters, along with their accomplice, kidnapped children from different areas, murdered them, and then disposed of their bodies.
• The crimes committed by Renuka and Seema shocked the nation, leading to a widespread search for the missing children and intense media coverage of the case. The sisters were eventually arrested and charged with multiple counts of kidnapping, murder, and other offenses.

Issue in the Case:

• The primary issue in the case was to determine the extent of Renuka and Seema’s involvement in the crimes, their mental state at the time of the offenses, and their culpability under the law. Additionally, the case raised questions about the adequacy of the juvenile justice system in addressing serious crimes committed by minors.

Judgment:

• Renuka Shinde and Seema Gavit were found guilty of multiple charges, including kidnapping, murder, and theft. Despite being juveniles at the time of the crimes, they were tried as adults due to the severity of their offenses. The court sentenced them to life imprisonment.
• The judgment underscored the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions, regardless of their age, and highlighted the need for reforms in the juvenile justice system to address cases involving serious and violent crimes committed by minors.

Geeta and Sanjay Chopra Kidnapping Case (1978)

Introduction to the Case:

• The Geeta and Sanjay Chopra kidnapping case is a notorious criminal case that shook India in 1978. Geeta and Sanjay Chopra, children of a wealthy Delhi-based businessman, were abducted for ransom. The case garnered significant media attention and became a focal point for discussions on child safety and security in the country.

Facts of the Case:

• Geeta Chopra, aged 14, and her younger brother Sanjay Chopra, aged 5, were abducted on August 26, 1978, while they were returning home from school in South Delhi. The abductors demanded a ransom of ₹60 lakh (6 million rupees) for their release.
• The parents of Geeta and Sanjay, desperate to secure the safe return of their children, complied with the ransom demand and paid a substantial amount. However, despite the payment, the kidnappers murdered the children and disposed of their bodies.
• The investigation into the case led to the arrest of the culprits, including Charles Sobhraj, a notorious serial killer, and his accomplices. Sobhraj, also known as the “Bikini Killer,” was involved in several criminal activities across Asia.

Issue in the Case:

• The primary issue in the case was to determine the identity of the perpetrators involved in the kidnapping and murder of Geeta and Sanjay Chopra. Additionally, the investigation aimed to uncover any potential accomplices and establish a motive for the crime.

Judgment:

• Charles Sobhraj and his accomplices were convicted for their roles in the kidnapping and murder of Geeta and Sanjay Chopra. Sobhraj, along with his associates, was sentenced to life imprisonment.
• The judgment delivered in the Geeta and Sanjay Chopra kidnapping case highlighted the severity of the crime and underscored the need for stringent measures to combat organized crime and ensure the safety of children in society. The case remains one of the most tragic and infamous instances of child abduction and murder in Indian history.

Mathura Rape Case (1972)

Introduction to the Case:

• The Mathura rape case of 1972 is a landmark legal case in India that sparked widespread outrage and led to significant changes in the country’s rape laws. The incident occurred in the village of Mathura in Uttar Pradesh, where a young tribal girl named Mathura was raped by two policemen inside a police station.

Facts of the Case:

• Mathura, a young tribal girl, was brought to the police station for questioning regarding her relationship with a man named Ashok. While she was in custody, two policemen, Ganpat and Tukaram, raped her repeatedly inside the police station. Despite Mathura’s cries for help, no one came to her rescue. The police dismissed her allegations, and she was left traumatized and alone.

Issues in the Case:

• The case raised significant issues regarding the treatment of rape victims by law enforcement authorities, the reliability of witness testimony, and the interpretation of consent in cases of sexual assault. It also brought attention to the need for reforming rape laws in India to provide better protection for victims and ensure justice is served.

Judgment:

• Initially, the Sessions Court acquitted the accused policemen, citing lack of evidence and inconsistencies in Mathura’s testimony. However, the judgment was appealed to the High Court, which overturned the acquittal and convicted the accused. The High Court’s decision was based on the premise that even if Mathura had consented to sexual intercourse, it could not be considered valid given the circumstances of her being in police custody. The accused policemen were sentenced to seven years in prison.

Series of Verdicts:

• Sessions Court Verdict (Initial): Acquittal of the accused due to lack of evidence.
• High Court Verdict: Overturned the Sessions Court’s decision, convicted the accused, and sentenced them to seven years in prison.

Significance:

• The Mathura rape case prompted amendments to India’s rape laws, including changes to the definition of rape and the burden of proof required to establish consent. It highlighted the need for greater sensitivity and accountability within the criminal justice system when dealing with cases of sexual assault. Additionally, it led to increased awareness and advocacy for the rights of rape survivors in India.

Bhanwari Devi Rape Case (1992)

Introduction to the Case:

• The Bhanwari Devi Rape Case is a landmark case in India that occurred in 1992. It brought attention to the issue of sexual violence against women, particularly those from lower castes, and highlighted the challenges faced by victims seeking justice in the legal system.

Facts of the Case:

• Bhanwari Devi, a social worker from Rajasthan, was gang-raped by five men on September 22, 1992. The attack was allegedly orchestrated in retaliation for her efforts to prevent a child marriage in the village of Bhateri. Bhanwari Devi, who belonged to the lower caste Mali community, had been working as a saathin (government-appointed female worker) to stop child marriages and promote women’s empowerment.

Issue in the Case:

• The case raised several critical issues, including caste-based violence against women, the prevalence of child marriages, and the challenges faced by activists and social workers advocating for women’s rights in rural areas. It also highlighted the reluctance of law enforcement authorities to take action against perpetrators from dominant castes and the failure of the legal system to provide adequate protection to victims of sexual violence.

Judgment:

• Despite overwhelming evidence and Bhanwari Devi’s courageous testimony, the trial court acquitted the accused men, citing lack of sufficient evidence and inconsistencies in the victim’s statement. The judgment sparked widespread outrage and protests across the country, with many viewing it as a miscarriage of justice.
• The case prompted significant public pressure and led to the formulation of guidelines by the Supreme Court of India to address sexual harassment at the workplace, known as the Vishaka Guidelines. These guidelines provided a framework for preventing and redressing sexual harassment in the absence of specific legislation, ultimately leading to the enactment of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act in 2013.
• While Bhanwari Devi did not receive justice in her case, her courage and resilience inspired legislative reforms and advocacy efforts aimed at combating sexual violence and promoting gender equality in India.

Lal Bihari Identity Case (1975-1994)

Introduction to the Case:

• The Lal Bihari Identity Case, also known as the Lal Bihari “Dead Man” Case, is a notable legal case that unfolded in India between 1975 and 1994. It revolves around the extraordinary ordeal of Lal Bihari, a resident of Azamgarh district in Uttar Pradesh, who was declared legally dead while he was alive.

Facts of the Case:

• Lal Bihari, a poor farmer, discovered that he was declared legally dead by his relatives in 1975. His relatives, in collusion with corrupt officials, forged documents to falsely declare him dead in order to usurp his ancestral property. Lal Bihari’s attempts to rectify this grave error were thwarted by bureaucratic apathy and corruption.
• Despite being alive, Lal Bihari found himself legally non-existent, which created numerous hurdles in his personal and professional life. He was denied basic rights, including voting, accessing government benefits, and obtaining loans. Lal Bihari’s relentless efforts to prove his identity and reclaim his legal status spanned nearly two decades of bureaucratic red tape and legal battles.

Issue in the Case:

• The primary issue in the Lal Bihari Identity Case was the grave injustice inflicted upon Lal Bihari due to the fraudulent declaration of his death. The case highlighted systemic flaws in the Indian bureaucracy, including corruption, inefficiency, and the lack of accountability. It underscored the vulnerability of marginalized individuals like Lal Bihari to exploitation and manipulation by powerful interests.

Judgment:

• After a protracted legal battle spanning nearly two decades, Lal Bihari finally succeeded in reclaiming his identity and overturning the false declaration of his death in 1994. His perseverance and determination led to widespread media coverage and public outrage, forcing authorities to acknowledge their mistake and rectify the injustice.
• The Lal Bihari Identity Case brought attention to the plight of individuals who fall victim to administrative errors and corruption in India’s bureaucracy. It served as a catalyst for reforms aimed at improving government accountability, streamlining bureaucratic procedures, and safeguarding the rights of citizens against arbitrary deprivation of identity and legal status.

Bhawal Case (1920-1946)

Introduction to the Case:

• The Bhawal Case, also known as the Bhawal Sannyasi Case, is one of the most intriguing legal mysteries in the history of India. It involves a dispute over the identity of a man who claimed to be the long-lost Kumar of Bhawal, a princely estate in Bengal (now Bangladesh). The case spanned several decades, from 1920 to 1946, and captivated the attention of the public and legal community alike.

Facts of the Case:

• In 1909, Kumar Ramendra Narayan Roy, the heir to the Bhawal estate, reportedly died of syphilis while on a pilgrimage to Varanasi. However, in 1920, almost a decade after his supposed death, a sannyasi (Hindu ascetic) appeared in the village of Nijhum Dwip in East Bengal, claiming to be the reincarnation of the deceased Kumar. This sannyasi, later identified as Bhawal Sannyasi, exhibited intimate knowledge of the Bhawal estate and its inhabitants, leading many to believe his claims.
• The Bhawal Sannyasi filed a lawsuit in 1921 to reclaim his title and estate, which sparked a prolonged legal battle. Over the years, numerous witnesses testified both in favor of and against his identity, with some recognizing him as the genuine Kumar while others disputed his claims.

Issue in the Case:

• The primary issue in the Bhawal Case revolved around the identity of the sannyasi and whether he was indeed the reincarnation of Kumar Ramendra Narayan Roy. The case presented a complex legal challenge, requiring the court to assess the evidence, including witness testimony, medical reports, and historical records, to determine the authenticity of the sannyasi’s claims.

Judgment:

• After a protracted legal battle lasting over two decades, the case was finally decided by the Calcutta High Court in 1946. The court ruled in favor of the Bhawal Sannyasi, recognizing him as the rightful heir to the Bhawal estate and restoring his title as Kumar of Bhawal. The judgment stunned many, as it overturned the widely accepted belief in Kumar Ramendra Narayan Roy’s death and validated the sannyasi’s remarkable claim of identity.
• The Bhawal Case remains a fascinating legal saga, raising questions about reincarnation, identity, and the complexities of Indian society and legal system. It has inspired numerous books, articles, and documentaries, continuing to intrigue historians, legal scholars, and the general public alike.

Harshad Mehta Scam

Introduction to the Case:

• The Harshad Mehta Scam, also known as the Securities Scam of 1992, was one of the most significant financial scandals in Indian history. It involved fraudulent practices in the Indian stock market by Harshad Mehta, a prominent stockbroker, and other entities. The scam not only shook the financial markets but also led to widespread public outrage and prompted regulatory reforms in India’s securities sector.

Facts of the Case:

• Harshad Mehta, a stockbroker from Mumbai, exploited several loopholes in the banking system to manipulate the stock market and inflate stock prices artificially. One of his key tactics involved taking advantage of the Ready Forward (RF) deal mechanism, which allowed banks to lend money against securities. Mehta used funds obtained through these deals to drive up the prices of selected stocks, creating a false sense of demand and liquidity in the market.
• Mehta’s fraudulent activities were vast and complex, involving collusion with bank officials, forged documents, and manipulation of stock prices. He used a network of dummy companies and bank receipts to siphon off funds from the banking system into the stock market, leading to a massive bull run in the stock prices of various companies.

Issue in the Case:

• The primary issue in the Harshad Mehta Scam was the manipulation of stock prices and the misuse of funds in the banking system to create artificial demand and inflate the value of certain stocks. Mehta’s actions led to a distortion of market fundamentals, causing significant losses to investors and undermining the integrity of the stock market.

Judgment:

• The scandal came to light in April 1992 when the stock market witnessed a sharp decline, triggering investigations by regulatory authorities. Harshad Mehta was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including fraud, forgery, and criminal conspiracy. He was also implicated in several other cases related to financial irregularities.
• Mehta’s trial lasted for years, during which he remained in judicial custody. However, he passed away in 2001 before the cases against him could reach a final verdict. Despite his demise, the Harshad Mehta Scam had far-reaching consequences, leading to reforms in India’s banking and securities regulations, including the establishment of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to oversee the securities market and prevent such frauds in the future.

Conclusion

Through the investigation of India’s 10 most controversial criminal cases we have seized the intensity that these incidents pose to society. They are also a strong argument for the demand of a proper and fair judicial system that protects the rights of all human beings. From the outrage over women safety after the Nirbhaya case to the audit of the corporate malpractice in Satyam scam each case has left an eternal scar on the nation’s memory. As we contemplate these examples, we should revive our dedication to justice, fairness, and building of a better, more just society for everybody.

Note: The information provided is sourced from various websites and collected data; if discrepancies are identified, kindly reach out to us through comments for prompt correction.