Haryana judicial officer, parents acquitted in 2013 dowry-death case
Haryana judicial officer, parents acquitted in 2013 dowry-death case
Special CBI court in Panchkula acquits Ravneet Garg and his parents in the 2013 dowry-death case, citing lack of conclusive evidence.
A special CBI court in Panchkula on Tuesday acquitted Ravneet Garg, who was then the chief judicial magistrate of Gurugram, and his parents in a dowry-death case that dates back to 2013. The verdict marks a significant turn in a decade-long investigation surrounding Geetanjali, Garg’s wife, who was found dead with bullet injuries near the Gurugram police lines in July 2013. The case was initially probed by Haryana Police but was handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation at the family’s request.
In the chargesheet filed in December 2016, Garg and his parents were charged with causing Geetanjali’s death under section 302 of the IPC and provisions of the Arms Act. The CBI later amended the charge to section 304B IPC, the dowry-death provision. During the trial, the defence contended there was no evidence of cruelty or a dowry demand, and that earlier medical assessments had shifted from homicide to a different interpretation of Geetanjali’s death. The defence also argued that the evidence used to implicate the couple was not conclusive and that there was no sustained discord in the marriage.
Additional District and Sessions Judge Rajeev Goyal acquitted Ravneet Garg, along with his parents K K Garg and Rachna Garg, of all charges on Tuesday. A detailed judgment is yet to be released, according to the defence. Terminder Singh, the defence counsel, said the case reflected a false implication driven by procedural changes, including a late shift in the charges filed by the CBI. He emphasized that the acquittal underscores the need for solid evidence in dowry-death prosecutions and the risk of wrongful allegations becoming part of a lengthy legal process.
While the court has not issued further comments, lawyers and the families involved will now await the written judgment to understand the basis for the acquittal and any potential avenues for appeal. The decision closes a chapter that drew considerable public attention to the handling of dowry-related cases in the region.
