AHMEDNAGAR: All three convicts in the Kopardi rape and murder case, which shook Maharashtra in July last year and triggered an agitation by members of the Maratha community, were given the death sentence by a fast-track court here on Wednesday. It also spurred the Maratha community to launch 'mook morchas' (silent marches) demanding stringent action against the accused besides seeking an amendment to the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act to curb its misuse.The incident also triggered the reservation demand for the Maratha community. This is the second instance in three weeks where special judge Suvarna Keole has pronounced capital punishment. On November 10, the judge had sentenced three convicts to death for the gang rape and murder of a minor in Loni Mavala in the district in August 2014.The death sentences are subject to confirmation by the Aurangabad bench of the Bombay high court, the judge said. The convicts were also sentenced to life imprisonment for rape and criminal conspiracy as well as three years' rigorous imprisonment under Section 354-A (sexual harassment).

Source: Times of India November 29, 2017 20:15 UTC