A Tragic Confrontation Born of Suspicion
In Bareilly, a military settlement was rocked when signalman Nitesh Pandey, serving with the Jat Regiment, faced life imprisonment following the brutal murder of Sudarshana Senapati, wife of fellow soldier Havildar Manoj Senapati. The case, which was heard by Judge Vijendra Tripathi in the Sessions Court, revolved around Pandey’s irrational and jealously driven suspicion that his wife and coworker were having an affair.
The Deadly Incident
On the evening of March 13, 2023, while Havildar Senapati was away on duty, Pandey entered the couple’s shared room. Pandey and Sudarshana got into a heated argument. Pandey suddenly lost his temper and stabbed her, killing her by wounding her throat. Then, overcome with anger, he threw a bedsheet over her body and ran away.
A Child’s Discovery, the Community’s Reaction
When Sudarshana’s seven-year-old daughter came home, she discovered her mother lying quietly on the bed and Pandey running away. This was a terrible finding. She screamed in shock, calling army officials and neighbors to the scene. Major Anubhav Malik took immediate action, alerting the Cantt police, who then lodged a formal complaint and securing the area.
Legal Consequences and the Court’s Ruling
The prosecution’s compelling case, led by Additional District Government Counsel Hemendra Gangwar, was bolstered by forensic evidence and nine eyewitnesses, including the child herself.
Verdict: Justice Served In the end, Panday was convicted of violating Indian Penal Code Sections 302 (murder), 452 (house trespass), and 506 (criminal intimidation). He was given a life sentence and fined ₹22,000; if he doesn’t pay, he will be imprisoned for an additional six monthsThe conviction is a clear reminder that personal grievances are intolerable in a disciplined society.
Why This Moment Matters
This case shows how dangerous it can be when personal feelings like jealousy and anger turn into violence.
It also reminds us that no one—not even someone in uniform—has the right to take the law into their own hands.
What makes this even more heartbreaking is that a young child had to see such a terrible scene. It’s not just a crime; it’s a moment that changed a family’s life forever.
AUTHOR
Pragya Jakhar is a second-year Lovely Professional University student pursuing a B.A. LL.B. (Hons.). Human rights and constitutional law particularly interest her. Pragya likes to write about legal subjects and is committed to improving and making the legal system more accessible to all.
Throughout the years, she has written numerous articles that examine important legal issues, and her growing comprehension of the operation of the law, both in books and in practice, allows her to contribute perceptive opinions to academic and policy discussions. She enjoys keeping up with news and significant court decisions.