Overview
- A Firozabad district court on Friday convicted Jitendra Pathak, known as Viraj, and sentenced him to death with a ₹50,000 fine for the May killing of 18‑month‑old Aarav.
- Prosecutors relied on CCTV footage that circulated online showing the accused repeatedly slamming the toddler and on investigators’ account of an alleged confession that the child was an obstacle to his plan to marry the child’s mother.
- Police say the murder occurred on May 30 in Yadav Colony, Shikohabad, and officers arrested the suspect the same day after an encounter in which he sustained injuries to his legs.
- Officials fast‑tracked the case: the chargesheet was filed within six days, 13 prosecution witnesses were examined, and the trial produced a conviction and sentence within 39–40 days of the crime.
- The death sentence must be confirmed by the Allahabad High Court under Indian law and the defence has indicated it will appeal, leaving the punishment provisional until the higher court rules.