Raju Kumar Singh's Punishment in 2018 Delhi Fire Case Put on Hold
New Delhi – The sentencing phase for Bihar BJP legislator Raju Kumar Singh has been stalled by the Rouse Avenue Court. Singh was found guilty for the death of Dr. Archna Gupta after a celebratory gunshot during a New Year event in 2018. Following Friday’s hearing, the judge reserved the exact term of imprisonment and will deliver the final decision on Saturday.
During the proceedings, a probation officer highlighted that Singh also faces a separate homicide charge in Bihar, from which he has already obtained bail from the Patna High Court. His defence counsel appealed for clemency, emphasizing that despite several criminal complaints, no conviction has yet been secured, and many cases were allegedly prompted by political rivals during elections.
The defence noted Singh’s six‑time electoral success, arguing that any sentence exceeding two years would lead to his disqualification under the Representation of the People Act, thereby ending his tenure as an MLA. They urged the tribunal to consider a rehabilitative measure rather than imposing a harsh term.
The lawyer also underscored Singh’s deep roots in public service: no criminal case was lodged against him before 2009, his wife Renu Singh previously held a Legislative Council seat, and his father served as village head for close to a decade.
Dr. Archna Gupta, described as a sister‑in‑law to the Singh family, was on the dance floor with her husband when a stray bullet from a licensed pistol struck her, leading to her death despite medical care. Singh spent approximately two months in custody and alleges he never tried to influence the victim’s relatives. The defence pleaded for the minimum punishment, citing the family's personal loss.
The incident took place on 31 December 2018 at a farm house in Vasant Kunj, Delhi, where the firing of a licensed weapon caused the tragic death. Delhi Police filed an FIR at Fatehpur Bery and arrested Singh along with other accused.
Earlier this month, the Rouse Avenue Court convicted Singh on multiple counts, stating that firing a licensed pistol in a crowded venue demonstrated a clear awareness of the risk of death. The court, however, cleared Singh’s wife Renu Singh and co‑accused Rana Rajesh Singh and Ramendra Singh due to insufficient evidence.
The court’s decision to defer the sentencing keeps the case in the public arena as legal and political discussions continue.