New Delhi, June 13, 2024
President Droupadi Murmu has rejected the mercy petition of Pakistani terrorist Mohammed Arif alias Ashfaq, who was convicted for the December 12, 2000, Red Fort attack that resulted in the deaths of three jawans from the Rajputana Rifles, officials confirmed.
Background and Legal Proceedings
Arif was found guilty of orchestrating the attack on the historic Red Fort, a symbol of India’s heritage. The attack, which occurred on the night of December 22, 2000, involved intruders who entered the fort, where unit 7 of the Rajputana Rifles was stationed, and opened fire. Three Army jawans were killed, and the attackers escaped by scaling the rear boundary of the fort.
Arif was captured, tried, and convicted of the crime. He was sentenced to death on October 31, 2005, by a trial court. This sentence was upheld by the Delhi High Court in September 2007 and the Supreme Court in August 2011. After a series of appeals, reviews, and a curative petition, the Supreme Court reaffirmed the death penalty on November 2, 2022.
Mercy Petition and Presidential Rejection
In a final bid to avoid execution, Arif filed a mercy petition with the President of India. However, President Murmu rejected the plea on May 27, 2024, after careful consideration of the gravity of the crime. This marks the second time President Murmu has denied a mercy petition since taking office on July 25, 2022.
Significance of the Decision
The rejection of Arif’s mercy petition concludes a long legal journey and reaffirms India’s stance against terrorism. This decision delivers a measure of closure to the victims and their families, emphasizing the commitment to justice and the rule of law. It sends a clear message that acts of terror will face the full force of legal consequences.
Legal Journey Highlights
- Trial Court Conviction: October 31, 2005
- Delhi High Court Confirmation: September 2007
- Supreme Court Confirmation: August 2011
- Review and Curative Petitions: Rejected by a two-judge bench
- Constitution Bench Decision: September 2014, mandating three-judge bench hearings for death penalty cases
- Final Supreme Court Affirmation: November 2, 2022
- Mercy Petition Rejection: May 27, 2024
This decision underscores the Indian government’s determination to uphold justice in the face of terrorism, ensuring that those who commit such heinous acts are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
