Delhi Court Sentences BJP MLA to 4 Years in Celebratory Firing Death Case, Slams ‘Gun Culture’

A Delhi court on Saturday sentenced Bihar BJP MLA Raju Kumar Singh to four years of simple imprisonment in a 2018 celebratory firing case that led to the death of a woman, while delivering a sharp rebuke of “gun culture” and misuse of political power .

Special Judge Vishal Gogne also imposed a ₹25 lakh fine as compensation to the victim’s family, holding Singh responsible for the death of 45-year-old guest Archana Gupta during a New Year’s Eve party at a farmhouse in Fatehpur Beri on December 31, 2018.

Calling the act a reflection of “arrogance of power” , the court refused leniency and observed that public representatives cannot claim preferential treatment in sentencing. It stressed that elected office is a position of public trust , and criminal misuse of firearms by politicians strengthens an ecosystem of illicit weapons and “Bahubali culture”.

The judgment strongly remarked that society needs “neither a Singham nor a Pushpa” , referring to cinematic portrayals of stylised violence, and warned that such conduct normalises reckless gun use at social gatherings.

The court noted Singh fired multiple rounds while allegedly intoxicated and highlighted that his actions showed callous disregard for human life . It also rejected probation, saying misplaced leniency would send the wrong message.

Singh was convicted under Section 304 Part II of the IPC and provisions of the Arms Act. The court ordered the sentences to run consecutively and emphasized deterrence against similar incidents involving public figures.