All 16 convicts sentenced to life for lynching BJP leader in Varanasi after liquor shop row

Nearly three years after BJP leader and social worker Pashupati Nath was lynched outside his home, a Varanasi court on June 13 sentenced 16 men to life imprisonment for his murder, bringing closure to a case that shook the Sigra locality and drew widespread outrage.

The convicts — aged between 25 and 45 — were found guilty of rioting, murder, attempt to murder, and criminal conspiracy. All had been out on bail and were taken into custody on June 12 after the court found them guilty. They were brought from the district jail on June 13 for sentencing.

“The court sentenced all 16 accused to life imprisonment and imposed fines,” confirmed government counsel Manoj Gupta, who added that the verdict followed examination of eight prosecution and three defense witnesses during the trial.

Fatal intervention in a neighborhood clash

According to police and prosecution records, the incident occurred on October 12, 2022, in Jai Prakash Nagar Colony under Sigra police station. Trouble began when a group of men — including Mantu Saroj and Rahul Saroj — created a ruckus at a liquor shop operating on the ground floor of Nath’s residence.

Raj Kumar Singh, Nath’s 42-year-old son, objected to the behavior, prompting an argument that quickly escalated. Though the men initially left after issuing threats, they returned with reinforcements and launched a violent attack on Singh.

Pashupati Nath, 73, stepped out in an attempt to rescue his son but was mercilessly beaten with sticks and iron rods. He lost consciousness and succumbed to his injuries while being rushed to the hospital.

Trial, conviction and pending appeals

An FIR was registered at Sigra police station naming 18 accused, including two minors. Following investigation, all 18 were chargesheeted. The trial of the 16 adults proceeded in the Varanasi court, while the cases of the two minors remain under review by the Juvenile Justice Board.

All 16 convicted individuals are residents of the same area. Defense counsel Virendra Pathak said his clients would appeal the convictions in a higher court.

The incident had sparked outrage at the time, not only due to the victim’s political affiliation but also because of the brazenness of the attack in a residential area. Nath, remembered as a dedicated community figure, was mourned by party colleagues and locals alike.