Bihar Court Convicts 85-Year-Old Man in 33-Year-Old Attempt to Murder Case; Grants Interim Bail Pending Appeal

A Bihar court has convicted an 85-year-old man in an attempted murder case arising from a violent village dispute that took place more than three decades ago. The judgment, delivered by a court in Vaishali district, brings an end to criminal proceedings that began in 1992 and continued for over 33 years.

The case originated from a disagreement over the use of a village pathway. According to the prosecution, the dispute escalated when objections were raised regarding bamboo placed on the road. What started as a local quarrel allegedly turned into a violent confrontation when a group of accused persons returned armed with firearms and opened fire on villagers.

Several people suffered gunshot injuries during the incident. During the trial, injured witnesses described the attack and identified the accused. Their testimony was supported by medical records, injury reports, and other evidence produced before the court. The judge found that the prosecution had successfully established the occurrence and the involvement of the accused despite the considerable passage of time.

Among the convicted persons was Deep Rai, now 85 years old. Taking his advanced age into account, the court sentenced him to three years' imprisonment, while the other convicted accused received longer prison terms. However, the court suspended the execution of Deep Rai's sentence and granted him interim bail, allowing him to challenge the conviction before the High Court.

The case highlights both the ability of courts to conclude long-pending criminal matters and the persistent problem of delays within the justice system.