High Court Slams 'Raja Beta' Culture, Jails Rape-Murder Convict for 30 Years

• Punjab & Haryana High Court sentenced a man to 30 years for raping and murdering a 5-year-old girl in 2018, commuting his death penalty.
• The court acquitted the mother, who initially tried to shield her son, but strongly condemned her 'blind love for Raja Beta' and 'patriarchal mindset'.
• The man sexually assaulted the girl, killed her with a knife, and hid her body; his mother later denied entry to those searching.
• Court imposed a Rs 30 lakh fine on the convict for the victim's family, emphasizing incapacitation to protect society.
• The death sentence was commuted as the killing was due to 'panic' to hide evidence, not premeditation, advocating a 'humane mix' in sentencing.

Why It Matters: Court condemns 'Raja Beta' culture, prioritizes incapacitation with 30-year sentence for heinous crime.