Major Verdict in the Murder Case of NIA DSP Tanzil Ahmed and His Wife: High Court Commutes Accused’s Death Sentence
NIA के DSP तंजील अहमद और उनकी पत्नी हत्याकांड: फांसी की सजा पाए आरोपी रेयान हाई कोर्ट से से बरी
Bijanaur: In the case regarding the murder of DSP Tanzil Ahmed and his wife Farzana in Syohara, Bijnor (Uttar Pradesh), the accused, Rayan, has been acquitted of all charges. The Allahabad High Court delivered this verdict after hearing an appeal filed by Rayan’s family members.
Notably, a lower court had previously sentenced Rayan to death in connection with the murder of DSP Tanzil Ahmed and his wife. The Allahabad High Court overturned the lower court’s 2022 judgment. The High Court deemed the lower court’s decision to be marred by “grave errors.” In its verdict, the Court observed that the prosecution’s case was riddled with doubts. Rayan and Munir had both been sentenced to death in the murder case involving the DSP and his wife; however, the other accused has since passed away.
What was the incident?
On the night of April 2, 2016, in the Syohara area of Bijnor, NIA DSP Tanzil Ahmed and his wife, Farzana, were shot dead. The incident occurred while the couple was returning from a wedding ceremony. During their journey, assailants riding a motorcycle opened indiscriminate fire upon them. The attackers fired 24 bullets at DSP Tanzil Ahmed. Following the attack, Tanzil Ahmed was rushed to the hospital.
Tanzil Ahmed had already succumbed to his injuries by the time he reached the hospital. Farzana, who was critically injured, passed away the following day while undergoing treatment. The post-mortem examination of Tanzil Ahmed revealed a total of 33 wounds on his body. The incident sent shockwaves across the entire region. Tanzil Ahmed’s brother, Mohammad Ragib, lodged a formal complaint at the Syohara police station.
Verdict Delivered After Six Years
Following its investigation, the police filed a chargesheet in the lower court. The chargesheet identified Munir and Rayan—both residents of Sahaspur—as the individuals guilty of opening fire on the DSP and his wife. Additionally, the chargesheet named Tanzim, Jaini, and Rizwan as co-accused. After the trial concluded in the lower court, both primary accused individuals were convicted. The court sentenced Munir and Rayan to death for the murder. The other accused in the case—Tanzim, Jaini, and Rizwan—were acquitted. Aggrieved by this verdict, the families of Munir and Rayan approached the High Court.
While the appeal remained pending in the High Court, Munir passed away due to an infection on November 19, 2022, at Sir Sundarlal Hospital in Varanasi. Consequently, Munir’s appeal in the High Court stood abated. During the High Court hearings, the defense argued that the prosecution had failed to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.
High Court Accepts the Argument
The High Court accepted this argument. The Court observed that the statements of the witnesses were vague and dubious. This significantly undermined the entire case presented by the prosecution. In its verdict dated March 31, 2026, the High Court bench stated that the lower court had committed a grave error in imposing the death penalty. On this basis, Rayan was acquitted of all charges, and the Court ordered his immediate release, provided he was not wanted in connection with any other case.
Rayan’s father, Saadat Hussain, described the Allahabad High Court’s verdict as satisfactory. He stated that justice had finally been served to his son. Saadat Hussain hailed the High Court’s judgment as a victory for patience and faith.
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