By A Special Court in Nalgonda on March 10, 2025, delivered its long-awaited verdict in the honor killing of Perumalla Pranay, a Dalit youth who was brutally murdered in Miryalaguda town on September 14, 2018. The court awarded the death penalty to Subhash Sharma, the second accused, while the remaining six accused were sentenced to life imprisonment.
This landmark judgment marks a significant step in the fight against honor killings, ensuring that justice is served for the victim and his family.
Background of the Case
The brutal murder of Perumalla Pranay shocked the entire nation and sparked widespread protests. The 24-year-old Dalit youth was murdered in broad daylight by a hired killer while he was leaving a hospital with his pregnant wife, Amrutha Varshini.
Inter-Caste Marriage Led to the Murder
Pranay had married Amrutha Varshini, a woman from a dominant caste, against the wishes of her father, Maruthi Rao, a wealthy businessman. The couple’s love story, which defied caste barriers, resulted in Maruthi Rao conspiring to kill Pranay to uphold his family’s “honor.”
Unable to accept the marriage, Maruthi Rao hired Subhash Sharma, a contract killer from Bihar, to assassinate Pranay. On September 14, 2018, as Pranay and Amrutha were stepping out of a hospital, Subhash Sharma attacked Pranay from behind with a machete, killing him instantly.
The murder was captured on CCTV cameras, causing nationwide outrage and raising serious concerns about caste-based violence and honor killings in India.
Court Verdict and Sentencing
After years of legal proceedings, the Special Court in Nalgonda announced the following verdict:
1. Death Sentence for Second Accused (Subhash Sharma)
- The court ruled that Subhash Sharma, the contract killer, was guilty of cold-blooded murder.
- He was sentenced to death under Section 302 (Murder) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
2. Life Imprisonment for Six Other Accused
- The remaining six accused, including Maruthi Rao (Amrutha’s father), were sentenced to life imprisonment.
- They were found guilty of conspiracy, abetment, and planning the murder.
- The court rejected pleas for leniency, stating that honor killings are a grave violation of human rights.
Impact of the Verdict
1. Victory for Justice and Dalit Rights
The judgment is seen as a major victory for justice, particularly for Dalits and marginalized communities who continue to face discrimination and violence due to caste-based prejudices.
Pranay’s murder became a symbol of the fight against caste oppression, and this verdict sends a strong message against honor killings.
2. Landmark Case Against Honor Killings
This case is one of the rare instances where the court awarded capital punishment in an honor killing case. It reinforces the Supreme Court’s stance that honor killings must be treated as heinous crimes.
3. Emotional Reaction from Pranay’s Family
Pranay’s wife, Amrutha Varshini, welcomed the verdict, calling it a step towards justice. However, she also expressed that no punishment could bring back her husband.
“I lost my husband to caste hatred, and my child lost his father even before he was born. No punishment can undo that, but this verdict ensures no other family suffers like we did,” she said.
Pranay’s mother also broke down in court, stating that they had waited over six years for this moment.
Public and Political Reactions
1. Support from Dalit and Human Rights Organizations
Several Dalit rights groups, activists, and civil society organizations hailed the verdict as historic. They called for strict implementation of laws against honor killings to prevent such incidents in the future.
2. Political Responses
- Dalit leaders and activists have urged the government to ensure fast-track trials in all honor killing cases.
- The Telangana government praised the judgment and reiterated its commitment to protecting inter-caste couples.
Previous Developments in the Case
Maruthi Rao’s Suicide
- In a shocking twist, Maruthi Rao, the main conspirator, died by suicide in March 2020 in a Hyderabad lodge.
- It is believed that he could not cope with the legal consequences of the crime.
Legal Battles and Delays
- The case went through multiple hearings and appeals, but Amrutha and Pranay’s family remained steadfast in their pursuit of justice.
What This Verdict Means for Future Cases?
1. A Stronger Stand Against Honor Killings
- The death sentence for Subhash Sharma sets a precedent for stricter punishment in honor killing cases.
- It reinforces the Supreme Court’s guidelines that honor killings should be treated as rarest of rare cases deserving harshest punishments.
2. Increased Protection for Inter-Caste Couples
- This case highlights the urgent need for stronger laws to protect inter-caste couples from caste-based violence.
- Social activists have demanded better security measures for couples facing threats due to caste differences.
Conclusion
The Pranay Murder Case verdict is a landmark judgment in India’s fight against honor killings. By awarding capital punishment to Subhash Sharma and life imprisonment to six others, the court has set a powerful precedent against caste-based violence.
While no punishment can compensate for Pranay’s tragic loss, this verdict ensures that his sacrifice will not be forgotten. It also serves as a warning to those who believe in caste-based oppression, reaffirming that justice will always prevail.
